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THRILLING  STORY  OF  THE    ADVEOTim^  Of 
A  WOMAN  WHO  SERVED  AS  A 


J 


BY  MISS   S.   EMMA   EDMOKI)^ 

(Mes.  Seelye.) 


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NUESE  AND    SPY. 


THRILLING  STORY  OF  THE    ADVENTURES  OP 

A  T703IAN  WHO  SERVED  AS  A 

UNION  SDLDI&R, 


BY  MISS   S.   EMMA   EDMONDa 
(Mes.  Seelyk) 


NEW  EDITION— ILtTISTRATED. 


PUBLISHED    BY 

THE  NATIONAL   TRIBUNIV 

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1900. 


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NUESE  AND  SPY. 


CHAPTER  L 

Commencement  of  the  War — My  Home  and  My  Daty — I  Enlist  in  the  Causw. 
Excitement  at  the  West — Troops  on  the  March — Mobs  at  Baltimore. 
Temporary  Hospitals — Unavoidable  Evils — Begging  for  Comfoi'ts — Sup- 
plies for  the  Sick — Camp  Hospitals — Thunder  Storms  in  Camp — A  Dying 
Officer— Soldiers  in  the  Public  Buildings — Preparations  for  the  Advance. 

Early  in  the  Spring  of  1861  I  was  returning  from  the  far  West, 
and  as  I  sat  waiting  for  the  train  which  was  to  bear  me  to  my 
adopted  home  in  New  England,  and  was  meditating  upon  the  events 
_which  had  transpired  during  the  past  few  months,  the  record  of 
which  was  destined  to  blacken  the  fair  pages  of  American  history,  I 
was  aroused  from  my  reverie  by  a  voice  in  the  street  crying  "  New 
York  papers-T-^Fall  of  Fort  Sumter — President's  Proclamation — Call 
for  75,000  men  ! " 

This  announcement  startled  me,  while  my  imagination  portrayed 
the  coming  struggle  in  all  its  fearful  magnitude.  War,  civil  war, 
with  all  its  horrors  seemed  inevitable,  an-d  even  then  was  ready  to 
burst  like  a  volcano  upon  the  most  happy  and  prosperous  nation  the 
sun  ever  shone  upon.  The  contemplation  of  this  sad  picture  filled 
my  eyes  with  tears  and  my  heart  with  sorrow. 

It  is  true,  I  Was  not  an  American — I  was  not  obliged  to  remain 
here  during  this  terrible  strife — I  could  return  to  my  native  land, 
where  ray  parents  would  welcome  me  to  the  home  of  my  childhood, 
and  my  brothers  and  sisters  would  rejoice  at  my  coming;  but  these 
were  not  the  thoughts  which  occupied  my  mind.  It  was  not  my  in- 
tention, or  desire,  to  seek  my  own  personal  ease  and  comfort  while 
so  much  sorrow  and  distress  filled  the  land.  The  great  question  to 
be  decided  was,  What  can  I  do?  What  part  am  I  to  act^in  this 
great  drama  ?  I  was  not  able  to  decide  for  myself — so  I  carried 
this  question  to  the  Throne  of  Grace,  and  found  a  satisfactory  an- 
swer there. 

Five  years  previous  to  the  time  of  which  I  write  I  left  my  rural 
home,  not  far  from  the  banks  of  the  £  John's  River,  in  the  Prov- 
ince of  New  Brunswick,  and  made  my  way  to  the  United  States. 
An  insatiable  thirst  for  education  led  me  to  do  this,  for  I  believed 
then,  as  now,  that  the  foreign  missionary  field  was  the  ono  ia  which 


993950 


•■•)>• 


NUESE  AND  SPY. 


I  must  labor,  sooner  or  later.  I  had  come  here  a  stranger,  with  but 
little  to  recommend  me  to  the  favorable  notice  of  the  ^ood  people, 
except  a  letter  from  the  pastor  of  the  church  to  which  I  belonged, 
and  one  from  my  class-leader — notwithstanding  I  had  found  kind 
frieads  to  help  me  in  all  my  undertakings,  and  whether  in  business, 
education  or  spiritual  advancement,  I  had  been  assisted  beyond  my 
highest  expectation. 

Ten  days  after  the  President's  proclamation  was  issued  I  was 
ready  to  start  for  Washington,  having  been  employed  by  the  Gov- 
ernment and  furnished  with  all  the  necessary  equipments.  I  was  to 
go  to  the  front  and  participate  in  all  the  excitement  of  the  battle 
scenes — or,  in  other  words,  be  a  field  nurse. 

The  great  West  was  stirred  to  its  center,  and  began  to  look  like  a 
vast  military  camp.  Recruiting  offices  were  filled  with  rben  eager 
to  enroll  their  names  as  defenders  of  their  country— -and  wonien 
were  busily  engaged  in  preparing  all  the  comforts  that  love  and 
patriotism  could  suggest  for  those  who  were  so  soon  to  go  forth  to 
victory  or  to  death,  while  the  clash  of  arms  and  strains  of  martial 
music  almost  drowned  the  hum  of  industry,  and  war  became  the 
theme  of  every  tongue. 

About  this  time  I  witnessed  the  departure  of  th^  first  Western 
troops  whicli  started  for  Washington.  The  regiments  were  drawct 
up  in  line — fully  equipped  for  their  journey— with  their  bright 
bayonets  flaJshing  in  the  morning  sunlight.  It  was  on  the  principal 
street  of  a  pleasant  little  village  of  about  a  thousand  inhabitants, 
where  there  was  scarcely  a  family  who  had  not  a  father,  husband. 
Son  or  brother  in  that  little  band  of  soldiers  who  stood  thete  ready 
to  bid  them  farewell,  perhaps  for  years — perhaps  forever. 

A  farewell  address  was  delivered  by  the  village  pastor,  an<i  a  New 
Testament  presented  to  each  soldier,  with  the  following  inscription : 
•*  Put  your  trust  in  God — and  keep  your  powder  dry."  Then  came 
the  leave-taking — but  it  is  too  painful  to  dwell  upon — the  last  fond 
word  was  spoken,  the  last  embrace  given,  then  came  the  order 
••  March,"  and  amid  the  cheers  of  the  citizens,  with  banners  proudly 
floating  and  the  bands  playing  "The  Star  Spangled  Banner,''  they 
moved  forvi-ard  on  their  way  to  the  Capital. 

On  looking  back  now  upon  the  scenes  of  that  morning,  notwith- 
standing I  have  looked  upon  others  much  more  thrilling  since  then, 
yet  I  cannot  recall  that  hour  without  feelings  of  deep  emotion. 
While  I  stood  there  and  beheld  those  manly  ibrms  conviiilsed  with 
emotion,  ^nd  heard  the  sobs  of  those  whom  they  were  leaiving  be- 
hind, I  could  only  thank  God  that  I  was  free  and  could  go  fdrward 
and  work,  and  was  not  obliged  to  stay  at  home  and  we^  A  feyr^ 
liours  more  and  I,  too,  was  on  my  way  to  Washington.        C    '^    -^ 

When  I  reached  Baltimore  I  found  the  city  in  an  upr^at^— l&obs 


....  y.i  .V  . 


^..-iv^ 


W-r*-' 


.    ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER. 


were  gatH&red  in  the  streets  aud  the  utmost  excitement ,  prevailed ; 
and  as. the  cltoTjfded  cars  moved  through, the  city  toward  the  depot, 
the  infuriated  mob  threw  showers  of  stones,  brickbats  and  other 


missiles,  breaking  the  windows  and  wounding  some  of  the  soldiers. 
8oQieof  thi^  men  could  not  forbear  firing  in^o  the  crowd,  notwith- 
standing their  orders  were  to  the  contrary.  However,  it  had  a  good 
effect,  for  thj!  mob,  soon  dispersed.  They  probably  had  not  forgotten 
the  6th  Mass,  and  the  Pennsylvania  troops  which  had  passed  through 
a  short  time  before. 

The  cars  iboo^,  readied  the  depot,  and  started  immediately  for 
Washington,  where  we  arrived  in  due  time,  weary  and  in  great  need 
of  food  an.d  sleep. 

_3pon  aJ("ter  reaching  Washington  I  commenced  visiting  the  tem- 
porary, hospitals  which  were  prepared  to  receive  the  soldiers  who 
arrived  tBiei:e  sick.  The  troops  came  pouring  in  so  fast,  and  the 
weather  being  extremely  warm,  all  the  general  hospitals  were  soon 
filled, , and  it  seemed  impossible  to  prepare  suitable  or  comfortable 
accomiiiodations  for  all  who  required  medical  attention.  .  .  , 

There  are  many  things  in  connection  with  this  war  that  we  are 
disposed  t9' find  fault  with,  and  we  think  the  blanie  rests  upon  such 
and  sttch^  individuals,  but -after  investigating  the  matter  we  find  that 
they  a,re  jkll  owing  to  a  combination  of  circumstances  entirely  be- 

,  ypnd  the  control  of  those  individuals,  and  it' requires  time  to  bring 
about  the  desired  results.  This  has  been  my  experience  with  regard 
tp  the  hospital, department. 

r  After  walking  through  the  streets  for  hours  on  a  sultry  sou therp 
day  in  search,  of  one  of  those  temporary  hospitals  I  would  find  a 
number  of  men  there  delirious  with  fever,  others  had  been  eunstruck 
and  carried  there,  but  no  physician  to  be  foand  in  attendance. 
Then,  I  would  natiirally  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  Surgeons 
were  all  slack  concerning  their  duty,  but  upon  going  to  the  office  of 
the  Surgeon  in  charge  of  that  department  would  find  that  a  certain 
number  of  Surgeons  were  detailed  every  morning  to  visit  those  hos- 

-pitals,  and  were  faithfully  jierforming  their  duty,  but  that  the 
number  of  hospitals  and  patients  were  increasing  so  fast  that  it  re- 
quired all  day  to  make  the  tour.  Consequently  the  last  ones  visited 
were  obliged  to  wait  and  sufifer,  without  any  blame  attaching  to  the 
Surgeons. 

Then  another  great  evil  was  to  be  remedied.  There  were  thou- 
sands of  sick  men  to  be  t.'^ken  care  of,  but  for  these  the  Governnient 
had  made^no  provision  as  regniiis  more  delicate  kinds  of  food,  noth- 
ing jfjut  hai;d  bread,  coflee  and  pork  fpr  sick  and  well  alike*     The 

>  Sanitary  Con^ipission  had  not  yet  come  into  operation,  and  the  con- 
sequence ^as.ou?  poor;  sick  soidie^s  suffered  unspeakably  from  th« 
want  of  proper  nourishment.  ^         '  "    •         , 


■S 


M/o 


■•^7, 


\    i 


n^w;: 


10 


ITUESE  AND  SPY. 


I  was  speaking  upon  this  subject  one  day  to  Chaplain  B.  and  hlsj 
ivife — my  constant  companions  in  hospital  labor — when  Mrs:  B, 
suggested  that  she  and  I  should  appeal  to  the  sympathies  of  the 
ladies  of  Washington  and  Georgetown  and  try  our  hand  at  begging. 
I  agreed  to  the  proposal  at  once,  and  wondered  why  I  had  not 
thought  of  it  myself. 

We  decided  to  go  to  Georgetown  first,  and  if  we  succeeded  there, 
to  canvass  Washington.  So  we  commenced  operations  by  calling  . 
upon  a  clergyman's  wife.  We  made  inquiry  there  with  regard  to 
our  prospects  of  success,  and  the  sentiments  of  the  ladies  generally 
upon  the  war  question,  and  finding  that  the  majority  were  in  our 
favor,  we  started  again  quite  hopefully,  but  not  until  the  lady  above 
mentioned  had  given  us  an  order  on  her  grocer  to  the  amount  of 
85,  I  gave  Sister  B.  the  credit  of  that,  for  I  had  introduced  her  as 
the  wife  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  B.,  Chaplain  of  the  7th.  Then  I  suggested 
that  we  should  separate  for  a  few  hours — she  to  take  one  street  and 
I  aaother,  so  that  we  might  sooner  get  through  the  city. 

Our  mission  prospered  throughout  the  day,  and  at  the  close  of  it 
we  had  a  sufficient  supply  of  groceries,  brandy,  ice,  j fellies,  etc.,  to 
fiH  our  little  arubulance ;  and  oh,  what  a  change  those  little  delica-  ' 
cies  wrought  upon  our  poor  sick  boys.  We  were  encouraged  by 
that  day's  work  to  continue  our  efforts  in  that  direction,  and  finally 
made  Dr.  W.'s  store  a  depot  for  the  donations  of  those  kind  friends 
who  wished  to  assist  us  in  restoring  to  health  the  defenders  of  our 
beloved  country. 

Typhoid  fever  began  to  make  its  appearance  in  camp  as  the 
burning  sun  of  June  came  pouring  down  upon  us,  and  the  hospitals 
were  soon  crowded  with  its  victims.  It  was  then  that  my  labors 
began  in  earnest,  and  as  I  went  from  tent  to  tent,  ministering  to  the 
wants  of  those  delirious,  helpless  men,  I  wondered  if  there  ever  was 
a  missionafsy  field  which  promised  a  richer  harvest  than  the  one  in 
YFhich  I  was  already  engaged,  and  I  was  thankful  that  it  was  my 
privilege  to  take  some  small  part  in  so  great  a  work. 

Large  tents  were  furnished  for  hospital  purposes,  which  would 
accommodate  from  20  to  25  men.  These  tents  were  usually  put  up 
in  the  most  pleasant  and  shady  part  of  the  camp ;  the  inside  was 
lucely  leveled,  and  board  floors  laid,  if  boards  could  be  procured ;  if 
not,  rubber  blankets  were  laid  down  instead.  ; . 

Sometimes  there  were  straw  ticks  and  cot  bedsteads  furnished,  but" 
not  in  sufficient  quantity  to  supply  all  the  hospitals.  Along  each 
side  of  the  tent  the  sick  were  laid,  on  blankets  or  cots,  leaving  room 
to  pass  between  the  beds.  In  the  center  of  the  tent  stood  a  tem-^ 
poraiy  board  table,  on  which  were  kept  book^,  medicines,  et  cetiera. 
The  hospital  corps  consisted  of  a  Surgeon,  Assistant  Surgeon,  Ho^ 
|)ital  Stewards  Waid  Master,  four  nurses  two  cooks  and  a  maa-of* 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER. 


U 


all- work.  The  immediate  care  of  the  sick  devolved  upon  those  four 
nurses,  generally  detailed  from  the  ranks,  each  one  being  on  duty 
six  hours  without  intermission.  The  Surgeons  visited  the  patients 
twice  every  day,  oftener  if  required ;  the  prescriptions  were  filled  by 
the  Hospital  Steward,  and  the  medicine  was  administered  by  the 
nurses. 

Mrs.  B.  was  desirous  of  visiting  some  of  the  public  buildings  in 
Washington,  and  wished  me  to  accompany  her.  I  did  so,  but  found 
that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  get  along  through  the  crowded 
streets.  The  gallant  troops  were  coming  in  by  thousands  from  every 
loyal  State  in  the  Union. 

Tlie  Capitol  and  White  House  were  common  places  of  resort  for 
soldiers.  Arms  were  stacked  in  the  rotunda  of  the  one  and  the 
lobbies  of  the  other,  while  our  '^noble  boys  in  blue"  lounged  in  the 
cushioned  seats  of  members  of  Congress,  or  reclined  in  easy  chairs  in 
the  President's  Mansion. 

Camps  of  instruction  were  prepared  near  the  city,  while  exerf 
hillside  and  valley  for  miles  around  was  thickly  dotted  with  snow- 
white  tents.  Soldiers  drilling,  fatigue  parties  building  forts,  artillery 
practicing,  and  the  supply  trains  moving  to  and  from  the  various 
headquarters,  presented  a  picture  deeply  interesting.       -      ; 


CHAPTER    II. 


Marcbing  Orders— Removal  of  the  Sick— A  Young  Patient— Visit  from  His 
Mother — March  Toward  Mauassas — Collecting  Supplies — Fatigues  of  the 
March — Preparations  for  Battle — A  Camp  Prayer-meeting — Divisions  De- 
tailed—My Place  on  the  Field— "Rather  Close  Quarters"— A  Battle 
Sunday — Skulking  from  the  Field. 

"Marching  orders  received  to-day — two  days  more  and  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  Will  be  on  its  way  to  Bull  Run."  I  find  this  reg- 
istered in  my  journal  July  15,  1861,  without  any  comment  what- 
ever. But  I  do  not  require  a  journal  to  refresh  ray  memory  with 
regard  to  the  events  of  those  two  days  of  preparation  which  followed 
their  announcement.  The  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  soon  to  meet 
the  enemy  for  the  first  time — a  great  battle  was  to  be  fought. 
Nothing  could  be  heard  but  the  wiki  cheering  of  the  rcen,  as  regi-  . 
ment  after  regiment  received  their  orders.  The  possibili-y  of  a  de- 
feat never  seemed  to  enter  the  noiind  of  any.  "All  the  sick  in  camp 
now  were  to  be  sent  to  Washington,  clothes  changed,  knapsacks 


m- 


•■^UU--  -■ 


-.^.-^i  >-. 


12  NUESE  AiTD  SPY. 

packecT,  Tetters  written  home,  packages  sent  to  the  express  office,  etc. 
After  all  was  done,  e  ^erything  in  readiness  and  the  sick  men  ten- 
derly laid  in  the  ambulances,  Mrs.  B.  said :  "  Now  let  us  go  to  every 
ambulance  and  bid  the  boys  good-by."  As  we  passed  a^long  from 
one  ambulance  to  another,  speaking  words  of  encouragement  to  each 
soldier,  many  a  tear  would  start  from  grateful  eyes,  and  many  a 
feeble  voice  uttered  an  earnest  "  God  bless  you,"  while  others  would 
draw  from  their  bosoms  some  cherished  relic,  and  give  as  a  token  of 
remembrance. 

There  was  one  patient,  however,  we  did  not  put  into  an  ambu- 
lance, and  who  was  a  great  source  of  anxiety  to  us.  He  lay  there 
upon  a  stretcher  close  by,  waiting  to  be  carried  to  a  house  not  far 
distant.  He  was  young,  not  17,  with  clear  blue  eyes,  curly  auburn 
hair  and  a  broad,  white  brow ;  his  mother's  pride  and  an  only  son. 
Two  weeks  previously  he  had  been  attacked  with  typhoid  fever. 

The  Surgeon  said :  "  You  may  do  all  you  can  for  him,  but  it  is  a 
hopeless  case."  ]\Irs.  B.  had  devoted  most  of  her  time  to  him,  and 
I  was  often  called  to  assist  her.  He  was  delirious  and  became  quite 
unmanageable  at  times,  and  it  required  all  the  strength  we  possessed 
to  keep  him  in  bed,  but  now  the  delirium  of  fever  had  passed  away 
and  he  was  helpless  as  an  infant.  We  had  written  for  his  mother 
to  come  if  possible,  and  had  just  received  a  letter  from  her,  stating 
that  she  was  on  her  way  to  Washington. 

The  ambulances  started  with  their  freight  of  emaciated,  suffering 
men.  Slowly  that  long  train  wound  its  way  toward  the  city  looking 
like  a  great  funeral  procession,  and  sadly  we  turned  to  our  remain- 
ing patient,  who  was  deeply  affected  at  the  removal  of  his  comradesL 
He  was  then  carried  to  the  house  above  mentioned  and  a  nurse  left 
to  take  care  of  him,  while  we  were  obliged  to  prepare  for  our  own 
comfort  on  ths  long,  weary  march  which  was  so  near  at  hand. 

We  had  just  commenced  to  pack  our  saddle-bags,  when  we  heard 
an  unusual  noise,  as  of  someone  crying  piteously,  and  going  out  to 
learn  the  cause  of  the  excitement,  whom  should  we  find  but  the 
mother  of  our  handsome  blue-eyed  patient.  She  had  called  at  the 
Surgeon's  tent  to  inquire  for  her  son,  and  he  had  told  her  that  all 
the  sick  had  been  sent  to  Washington,  he  having  forgotten  for  the 
moment  the  exception  with  regard  to  her  son.  The  first  words  I 
heard  were  spoken  in  the  most  touching  manner : 

'•■  Oh,  why  did  you  send  away  my  boy  ?  I  wrote  you  I  was  com- 
ing.    Oh,  why  did  you  send  him  away ! " 

I  shall  never  forget  the  expression  of  that  mother's  face  as  she 
stood  there  wringing  her  hands  and  repeating  the  question.  We 
very  soon  rectified  the  mistake  which  the  Surgeon  had  made,  and 
in  a  few  moments  she  was  kneeling  by  the  bedside  of  her  darliog 


ADVENTUEES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        13 


boy,  and  we  returned,  rejoicing  that  it  had  been  our  privilege  to 
"  deliver  him  to  his  mother." 

The  17th  of  July  dawned  bright  and  clear,  and  everything  being 
in  readiness,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  took  up  its  line  of  march  for 
Manassas.  In  gay  spirits  the  army  moved  forward,  the  air  resound- 
ing with  the  music  of  the  regimental  bands  and  patriotic  songs  of 
the  soldiers.  No  gloomy  forebodings  seemed  to  damp  the  spirits  of 
the  men,  fora  moment,  but  "On  to  Richmond  "  was  echoed  and  re- 
echoed, as  that  vast  army  moved  rapidly  over  the  country. 

The  E&ain  column  reached  Fairfax  toward  evening  and  camped 

for  the  oight     Col.  R.'s  wife,  of  the  2d- ,  Mrs.  B.  and  myself 

were,  I  think,  the  only  three  females  who  reached  Fairfax  that 
night.     The  day  had  been  extremely  hot,  and  not  being  accustomed 
to  ride  all  day  beneath  a  burning  sun,  we  felt  its  effects  very  sensi-  - 
bly,  and  consequently  hailed  with  joy  the  order  to  encamp  for  the 
night 

JTotwithstanding  the  heat  and  fatigue  of  the  day's  march,  the 
troops  were  in  high  spirits,  and  immediately  began  preparing  supper. 
Some  built  fires  while  others  went  in  search  of  and  appropriated 
every  available  article  that  might  in  any  way  add  to  the  comfort  <rf 
hungry  and  fatigued  men. 

The  whole  neighborhood  was  ransacked  for  milk,  butter,  eggs, 
poultry,  etc.,  which  were  found  insufficient  in  quantity  to  supply  the 
wants  of  such  a  multitude.  There  might  iiave  been  heard  some 
stray  shots  fired  in  the  direction  of  a  field  where  a  drove  of  cattle 
Were  quietly  grazing :  and  soon  after  the  odor  of  fresh  steak  was  is- 
suing from  every  part  of  the  camp.  I  wish  to  state,  however,  that 
all  "  raids  "  made  upon  hen-coops,  etc.,  were  contrary  to  the  orders 
of  the  General  in  command,  for  during  the  day  I  had  seen  men  put 
under  arrest  for  shooting  chickens  by  the  roadside. 

I  was  amused  to  hear  the  answer  of  a  hopeful  young  darky  cook, 
when  interrogated  with  regard  to  the  broiled  chickens  and  beefsteak' 
which  he  had  brought  on  for  supper.     Col.  R.  demanded,  in  a  very 
stern  voice: 

"  Jack,  where  did  you  get  that  beefsteak  and  those  chickens  ?  " 

"  Massa,  I'se  carried  dem  cl'ar  from  Washington  ;  thought  I'd 
cook  'em  'fore  de)'  sp'iled ; "  and  then  added,  with  a  broad  grin,  "  I 
ain't  no  thief,  I  ain't." 

Col.  R|  replied  :  "  That  will  do.  Jack ;  you  can  go  now." 

Then  tne  Colonel  told  us  how  he  had  seen  Jack  running  out  of  a 
house,  as  he  rode  along,  and  a  woman  run  out  calling  after  him  with 
all  her  might,  but  Jack  never  looked  behind  him,  but  escaped  as 
fast  as  he  could,  and  was  soon  out  of  sight.  Said  *he :  "  I  thought 
the  rascal  had  been  up  to  some  mischief,  so  I  rode  up  and  asked^tha 
vomaa  what  was  the  matter^  and  found  heiiad  stolen  all  her  chicb» 


J&l 


14  iSUKaE   AND  spy. 

ens;  I  aslced  lier  bow  much  they  were  worth  ;  she  'reckoned  'about 
$2.  I  think  she  made  a  pretty  good  hit,  for  after  I  paid  her,  she 
told  me  she  had  had  only  two  chickens." 

Supper  being  over,  pickets  posted,  and  camp  guards  detailed,  all 
became  quiet  for  the  night.  Early  tlie  next  morning  the  reveille 
beat,  the  whole  camp  was  soon  in  motion,  and  after  a  slight  break- 
fast from  our  haversacks,  the  march  was  resumed.  The  day  was 
very  hot,  and  we  found  great  difficulty  in  obtaining  water,  the  want 
of  which  caused  the  troops  much  suffering.  Many  of  the  men  were 
sunstruck,  and  others  began  to  drop  out  of  the  ranks  from  exhaus- 
tion. All  such  as  were  not  able  to  march  were  put  into  the  ambu- 
lances and  sent  back  to  Washington. 

Toward  noon  the  tedium  of  the  march  began  to  be  enlivened  by 
sharp  volleys  of  musketry  in  the  direction  of  the  advance  guard; 
but  those  alarms  were  only  occasioned  by  our  skirmishers,  pouring  a 
vollev  into  everything  which  looked  as  if  it  misrht  contain  a  masked 
battery  or  a  bind  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters. 

Considerable  excitement  prevailed  throughout  the  day,  ns  we  were 
every  hour  in  expectation  of  meeting  the  enemy.  Carefully  feeling 
its  way,  liowever,  tlie  army  moved  steadily  on,  investigating  every 
field,  building,  and  ravine,  for  miles  in  front  and  to  the  right  and 
left,  until  it  reached  Centerville,  Avhere  we  halted  for  the  night. 

The  troops  now  began  to  feel  the  effects  of  the  march,  and  there 
was  evidently  a  lack  of  that  picnic  hilarity  whicii  had  characterized 
them  the  day  preceding.  Several  regiments  had  been  supplied  with 
new  shoes  the  day  before  leaving  camp,  and  they  found  by  sad  ex- 
])eriencc  that  they  were  not  (he  most  comfortable  things  to  march 
in,  as  their  poor,  blistered  feet  testified  ;  in  many  cases  their  feet  were 
literally  raw,  the  thick  woolen  stockings  having  chafed  the  skin  off. 

Mrs.  B.  and  I,  having  provided  ourselves  before  leaving  camp  with 
a  quantity  of  linen,  bandages,  lint,  ointment,  etc.,  found  it  very  con- 
venient now,  even  before  a  shot  had  been  fired  by  the  enemy. 

Our  Surgeons  begun  to  prepare  for  thfi  coming  battle  by  appropri- 
nting  several  buildings  and  fitting  them  up  for  the  wounded — among 
otiier.-i  the  ^;tone  Church  at  Centerville — a  church  which  many  a  sol- 
dier will  remember  as  long  as  memory  lasts.  Late  that  evening,  as 
1  was  returning  from  this  church,  accompanied  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B., 
I  liroposed  that  we  should  walk  through  the  entire  camp  to  see  how 
the  boys  were  employed  on  this  the  eve  of  their  first  battle. 

We  found  many  engaged  in  writing  by  the  glimmering  light  of 
the  camp-fire — soldiers  always  carry  writing  materials  on  a  march; 
some  were  reading  their  Bibles,  perhaps  with  more  than  usual  inter- 
est ;  while  others  sat  in  groups,  conversing  in  low,  earnest  tones ;  but 
tlie  great  mass  were  stretched  upon  the  ground,  wrapped  iu  their 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIEE.        IS 

blankets,  fast  asleep,  and  all  unconscious  of  the  dangers  of  the  mor- 
row. 

We  were  aboutto  return  to  our  quarters  in  a  log  cabin  built  by 
the  rebel  soldiers,  and  which  had  been  evacuated  only  a  few  elas^a 
previous,  when  we  heard  several  voices  singing  ia  a  grove  not  far 
i'rom  camp.  We  turned  and  walked  toward  the  grove,  umtil  wo 
could  hear  distinctly  the  words  of  a  beautiful  hymn. 

"Ah ! "  exclaimed  Mr.  B,  "  I  recognize  Willie  L.*s  voice  there, 
I  understand  now;  this  is  Willie's  prayer-meeting  night,  and  not- 
withstanding the  fatigue  of  the  march  and  blistered  feet,  he  has  not 
forgotten  it."  .  ■'  •    • 

We  drew  near  to  listen  to  and  enjoy  the  exercises  unperceived, 
for  no  sooner  had  the  last  words  ©f  tiie  hymn  died  away  oh  the 
Etill  midnight  air,  than  Willie's  clear  voice  rose  in  prayer,  filling  • 
the  grove  with  its  rich,  pathetic  tones.  He  prayed  for  victory  on 
the  morrow,  for  his  comrades,  for  loved  ones  at  home,  and  his  voice 
grew  tremulous  with  emotion  as  he  plead  with  the  Savior  to  con*- 
fort  and  support  his  widowed  mother  if  he  should  fall  in  battle. 

Then  followed  a  practical  talk  about  being  faithful  soldiers  of 
Jesus,  as  well  as  of  their  beloved  country ;  of  the  necessity  of  being 
prepared  at  any  moment  to  lay  down  the  cross  and  take  up  the 
crown.  One  after  another  prayed  and  spoke,  until  about  a  dozen — 
and  that  included  the  whole  number  present — had  addressed  the 
Throne  of  Grace,  and  testified  to  the  power  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ 
in  the  salvation  of  sinners.  We  retired  feeling  refreshed  and  en- 
couraged. 

After  ^ascertaining  the  position  of  the  enemy.  Gen.  McDowell 
ordered  three  divisions  forward,  commanded  by  Heinzelman,  Hunter 
and  Tyler,  Miles  being  left  in  reserve  at  Centerville.  Sunday 
morning  before  dawn  those  three  divisions  moved  forward,  pre- 
senting a  jnagnificent  spectacle,  as  column  after  column  wound  its 
way  over  the  green  hills  and  through  the  hazy  valleys,  with  the 
soft  moonlight  falling  on  the  long  lines  of  ghining  steel. 

Not  a  drum  or  bugle  was  heard  during  the  march,  and  the  deep 
silence  was .  only  broken  by  the  rumbling  of  artillery,  the  muiBed 
tread  of  infantry,  or  the  low  hum  of  thousands  of  subdued  voices. 

The  divisions  separated  where  three  roads  branch  off  toward  Bull 
Eun,  ea'ch  taking  the  road  leading  to  its  respective  position.  Soon 
the  morning  broke  bright  and  clear,  bringing  two  contending  armies 
in  plain  sight  of  each  other.  The  enemy  was  posted  on  higbts  that 
^ose  in  regular  slopes  from  the  shore,  crowned  here  and  there  by^ 
earth  \yorks.    -    .  ;  ;  ^      ,     ^ 

.J  The  woods  that  interfered  with  his  cannon  ranges  had  all  been 
cut  away,  and  his  guns  had  a  clean  sweep  of  every  approach.  On 
our  side  ^e  descent  was  more  graduaL  and  covered  with  a  dense 


1«  NURSE' AND  SPY. 


forest.    The  roar  of  the  artillery  soon  annouuced  that  the  battle  had 
actually  commenced. 

Mrs.  B.  and  myself  took  our  position  on  the  field,  according  to 
orders,  in  connection  with  Gen.  Heintzelman's  Division,  having 
delivered  our  horses  to  Jack  for  safe  keeping,  with  strict  orders  to 
remain  where  he  was,  for  we  might  require  them  at  any  moment 
I  imagine  now  I  see  Mrs.  B.  as  she  stood  there,  looking  as  brave  as 
possible,  with  her  narrow-brimmed  leghorn  hat,  black  cloth 
riding  habit,  shortened  to  walking  length  by  the  use  of  a  page,  a 
silver-mounted  seven -shooter  in  her  belt,  a  canteen  of  water  swung 
over  one  ^oulder,  a  flask  of  brandy  over  the  other,  and  a 
haversack  with  provisions,  lint,  bandages,  adhesive  plaster,  eta, 
hanging  by  her  side.  She  was  tall  and  slender,  with  dark-brown 
nair,  pale  face,  and  blue  eyes.  i 

Chaplain  B.  sat  upon  his  horse  looking  as  solemn  as  if  standing 
face  to  face  with  the  angel  of  death.  The  first  mati  I  saw  killed 
was  a  gunner  belonging  to  Col.  R's  command.  A  shell  had  burst 
in  the  midst  of  the  battery,  killing  one  and  wounding  three  men 
and  two  horses. 

Mr.  B.  jumped  from  his  horse,  hitched  it  to  a  tree,  and  ran  for- 
ward to  the  battery ;  Mrs.  B.  and  I  following  his  example  as  fast 
as  we  could.  I  stooped  over  one  of  the  wounded,  who  lay  upon  his 
face  weltering  in  his  blood ;  I  raised  his  head,  and  who  tihould  it 
be  but  Willie  L.  He  was  mortally  wounded  in  the  breast,  and  the 
tide  of  life  was  fast  ebbing  away ;  the  stretchers  were  soon  blfought, 
and  he  was  carried  from  the  field. 

Seeing  the  disaster  from  a  distance,  Col.  R  rode  up  to.  the  bat- 
tery,  and  as^  he  was  engaged  in  giving  orders,  a  solid  shot  came 
whizzing  by  in  such  close  proximity  to  his  head  that  it  stunned  him  for  a 
moment;  but  soon  recovering  he  turned  up  the  side  of  his  head  and 
shrugged  his  shoulders,  a  peculiarity  of  his,  and  in  his  usual  nasal 
twang  said,  "Rather  close  quarters,"  and  rode  away,  appanntly  as 
unconcerned  as  if  it  had  been  a  humming  bird  that  had  croMed  his 
path.  But  not  content  with  admonishing  the  Colonel,  the  same  shot 
struck  my  poor  little  flask  of  brandy,  which  lay  near  me  on  a  drum- 
head, shattering  it  as  spitefully  as  if  sent  by  the  combined  forces  of 
the  Order  of  Good  Templars,  i  . 

Now  the  battle  began  to  rage  with  terrible  fury.  Nothing  could 
be  heard  save  the  thunder  of  artillery,  the  clash  of  Bteaii^  and  the 
continuous  roar  of  musketry.  Oh,  what  a  scene  for  the  bright  sun 
of  a  holy  Sabbath  morning  to  shine  upon !  Instead  of  tbd, sweet 
influences  which  we  associate  with  the  Sabbath — the  chiming  of  (^urch 
bells  calling  us  to  the  house  of  prayer,  the  Sabbath  school,  attd  all 
the  solemn  duties  of  the  sanctuary,  there  was  confusion,  deitrUction 
«ad  death,    There  was  no  place  of  safety  for  miles  around ;  the 


W  ■ 


V-^li'Aji'- 1  ^»t  il    . 


'ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         IT 

safest  place  was  the  post  of  duty.  Many  that  day  who  turned 
their  backs  upon  the  enemy  and  sought  refuge  in  the  woods  some 
two  miles  distant,  were  found  torn  to  pieces  by  shell,  or  mangled  by 
cannon  ball — a  proper  reward  for  those  who,  insensible  to  shame, 
duty  or  patriotism,  desert  their  cause  and  comrades  in  the  trying 
hour  of  battle,  and  skulk  away  cringing  under  the  fear  of  death. 


CHAPTER  IIL 


Water  for  the  Wounded— Col.  Cameron  Killed— Scenes  on  the  Battlefield. 
Barnside's  Brigade — Capture  of  Griffin's  and  Eicketts's  Batteries — Rebela 
Reinforced — The  Panic  and  Eetreat — The  Wounded  at  Centerville — My 
Beconnoissance — An  Insane  Woman  on  the  Field — Hiding  from  the 
Enemy — Return  to  the  Wounded — Expectation  of  Capture — Escape  from 
the  Rebels — My  Walk  to  Alexandria — Footsore  and  Weary — Arrival  in 
Washington — Letters  from  Dead  Soldiers' Friends.  >.      /     r 

I  was  hurried  off  to  Centerville,  a  distance  of  seven  miles,  for  a 
fresh  supply  of  brandy,  lint,  etc.  When  I  returned,  the  field  was 
literally  strewn  with  wounded,  dead  and  dying.  Mrs.  B.  was  no- 
where to  be  found.     Had  she  been  killed  or  wounded  ? 

A  few  moments  of  torturing  suspense,  and  then  I  saw  her  cominw 
toward  me,  running  her  horse  with  ail  possible  speed,  with  about  50 
canteens  hanging  from  the  pommel  of  her  saddle.  To  all  my  in- 
quiries there  was  but  one  answer: 

"  Don't  stay  to  care  for  the  wounded  now ;  the  troops  are  famish- 
ing with  thirst  and  are  beginning  to  fall  back." 

Mr.  B.  then  rode  up  with  the  same  order,  and  we  three  started 
for  a  spring  a  mile  distant,  having  gathered  up  the  empty  canteens 
which  lay  strewn  on  the  field.  This  was  the  nearest  spring  ;  the 
enemy  knew  it,  and  consequently  had  posted  sharpshooters  within 
rifle  range  to  prevent  the  troops  being  supplied  with  water. 

Notwithstanding  this,  we  filled  our  canteens,  while  the  rainie- 
balls  fell  thick  and  fast  around  us,  and  returned  in  safety  to  dis- 
tribute the  fruits  of  our  labor  among  the  exhausted  men. 

We  spent  three  hours  in  this  manner,  while  tlie  tide  of  battle 
rolled  on  more  fiercely  than  before,  until  the  enemy  made  a  desper- 
ate ch^^tge  on  our  troops,  driving  them  back  and  taking  full  posses- 
sion of  th^  spring.  Chaplain  B.'s  hofse  was  shot  through  the  neck 
and  bfed  to  death  in  a  few  irioments.  Then  Mrs.  B.  and  I  dia-  . 
mounte'd  and  went  to  Nvork  again  among  the  wounded. 


18  NURSE   AND  SPY. 

Not  long  afterward  Col.  Cameron,  brother  of  the  Secretary  of 
War,  came  dashing  along  the  line,  shouting : 

"  Come  on,  boys ;   the  rebels  are  in  full  retreat!" 

The  word's  had  scarcely  been  uttered  when  he  fell,  pierced  to  the 
heart  by  a  bullet  A  Surgeon  was  on  the  ground  in  an  instant,  but 
nothing  could  be  done  for  him  ;  his  wound  was  mortal,  and  he  soon 
ceased  to  breathe.  There  was  no  time  to  carry  oS'  the  dead.  We 
folded  his  arms  across  his  brcr.st,  closed  his  eyes,  and  left  him  in  the 
cold  embrace  of  death. 

Still  the  battle  continued  without  cessation.  The  grape  and  can- 
ister filled  the  air  as  they  went  screaming  on  their  fearful  errand. 
The  sight  of  that  field  was  perfectly  appalling ;  men  tossing  their 
arms  wildly,  calling  for  help ;  there  they  lay  bleeding,  torn  and 
mangled,  legs,  arms  and  bodies  crushed  and  broken  as  if  smitten  by 
thunder-bolts.  The  ground  was  crimson  with  blood.  It  was  terri- 
ble to  witness. 

Burnsid6's  Brigade  was  being  mown  down  like  grass  by  the  r6bel 
batteries.  The  hien  were  not  able  to  stand  that  terrible  storm  of 
shot  and  shell.  They  begun  to  waver  and  fall  back  slowly,  but  just 
at  the  right  moment  Capt.  Sykes  came  up  to  their  relief  with  his 
command  of  Regulars.  They  swept  up  the  hill  where  Burnside's 
exhausted,  shattered  brigade  still  lingered,  and  were  greeted  with  a 
shout  of  joy  such  as  none  but  soldiers  who  are  almost  overpowered 
by  a  fierce  enemy  and  are  reinforced  by  their  brave  comrades  can 
give. 

Onward  they  went/close  up  to  the  cloud  of  flame  and  smoke 
rolling  from  the  hill  upon  which  the  rebel  batteries  were  placed  ; 
their  muskets  were  leveled,  there  was  a  click,  click,  a  sheet  of  flame, 
a  deep  roll  like  that  of  thunder,  and  the  rebel  gunners  were  seen  to 
stagger  and  fall.  The  guns  became  silent,  and  in  a  few  moments 
were  abandoned. 

This  seemed  to  occasion  great  confusion  in  the  rebel  ranks. 
Regiments  were  scattered,  and  officers  Avere  seen  riding  furiously 
and  shouting  their  orders,  which  were  heard  above  the  roar  and  din 
of  battle. 

Ca'pts.  Griffin's  and  Kicketts's  batteries  were  ordered  forward  to  an 
eminence  from  which  the  rebels  had  been  driven.  They  came  into 
position  and  opened  a  most  destructive  fire,  which  completely  routed 
the  enemy.  The  battle  seemed  almost  won,  and  the  enemy  was  re- 
treating in  confusion. 

Hear  what  Gen.  Johnston  said  of  his  prospects  at  that  time  in  hia 
official  report: 

"The  long  contest  agairist  a  powerftil  eneiiiy  and  tieaVy losses, 
especially  of  field  officers,  had  greatly  discouraged  the  troops  of  Gen. 
Bee  and  CoL  Evans     '^^  aanect  of  aff"airs  was  critical"  ' 


v.. 'J,- 


7Ml 


im^^i 


/. 


i 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        t9 

Another  v?rites :  "  Fighting  for  hours  under  a  burning  sun,  with- 
out a  drop  of  water,  the  conduct  of  our  men  could  not  be  excelled ; 
but  human  endurance  has  its  bounds,  and  all  seemed  about  to  be 
lost." 

This  goes  to  prove  that  it  was  a  desperately  hard-fonqiit  battle  on 
both  sides,  and  if  no  fresh  troops  hacl  heaa  bmight  iaato  iLo  iicld  the 
victory  would  assuredly  iuiTe  bewi  cuia 

But  just  as  our  army  was  cauifi<{«int  of  vocccm,  xad  ma  folio \tlng 
up  the  advantage  which  it  had  paiuffd.  »*«b*l  r«i».^wments  arrived 
and  turned  the  tide  of  battle.  Tmi  i«iie:  i^gimtnta  of  fre^h  troof^s 
were  sent  to  make  a  flank  movemcat  in  order  to  capture  Griffin's 
and  Ricketts's  batteries.  Tlsey  marched  tlircwigh  the  woods,  rcaciied 
the  top  of  the  hill,  and  formed  a  line  so  completely  in  our  rear  as 
to  fire  almost  upon  the  backs  of  the  gunners. 

Griffin  saw  thsm  approach,  but  supposed  them  to  be  his  supports 
sent  by  Maj.  Barry.  However,  looking  more  intently  at  them,  ho 
thought  they  were  rebels,  and  turned  his  guns  upon  them.  Jiist  as 
he  was  about  to  give  the  order  to  fire,  Maj.  B.  rode  up,  shouting : 

"  They  aie  your  supports ;  don't  fire." 

"  No,  sir ;  they  are  rebels,"  replied  Capt.  Griffin. 

"  I  tell  you,  sir,  they  are  your  supports,"  said  Maj.  B. 

In  obedience  to  orders  the  guns  were  turned  again^  and  while  in 
the  act  of  doing  so  the  supposed  supports  fired  a  volley  upon  the 
gunners.  Men  and  horses  went  down  in  an  instant.  A  moment, 
more  and  those  famous  batteries  were  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

The  news  of  this  disaster  spread  along  our  lines  like  wildfire. 
Officers  and  men  were  alike  confounded.  Regiment  after  regiincnt 
broke  and  ran,  and  almost  immediately  the  panic  commenced. 
Companies  of  cavalry  were  drawn  up  in  line  across  the  foad,  with 
drawn  sabers,  but  all  was  not  sufficient  to  stop  the  refluent  tide  of 
fugitives.  Then  came  the  artillery  thundering  along,  drivers  lash- 
ing their  horses  furiously,  which  greatly  added  to  the  terror  of  the 
panic-stricken  thousands  crowded  together  en  masse.  In  this  man* 
ner  we  reached  Centerville,  where  order  was  in  some  measure  re- 
stored. 

Mrs.  B.  and  I  made  our  way  to  the  stone  church,  around  which 
we  saw  stacks  of  dead  bodies  piled  up,  and  arms  and   legs  were 
thrown  together  in  lieaps.     But  how  shall  I  describe  the  scene  with-  . 
in  the  church  at  that  hour?     Oh,  there  was  suSering  there  which  no 
pen  can  ever  describe. 

One  case  I  can  never  forget.  It  was  that  of  a  poor  fellow  whoso 
legs  were  both  broken  above  the  knfees,  and  from  the  knees  to  the 
thighs  they  were  literally  smashed  to  fragments.  He  was  jiying, 
but  oh,  what  a  death  was  that  He  was  insane,  perfectly  T»i!d,  and 
required  two  persons  to  hold  him.     Inflammation  had  set  in,  and 


at  NUESE  AND  SPY. 

was  rapidly  doing  its  work.     Death  soon  released  him,  and  it  was  a 
relief  to  all  present,  as  well  as  to  the  poor  suflferer. 

I  went  to  another  dying  one  who  was  bearing  patiently  all  his 
sufferings.  Oh,  poor,  pale  face  !  I  see  it  now,  with  its  white  lips 
and  beseeching  eyes,  and  then  the  touching  inquiry : 

"Do  you  think  I'll  die  before  morning?" 

I  told  him  I  thought  he  would,  and  asked: 

"  Has  death  any  terrors  for  you  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no  ;   I  shall  soon  be  asleep  in  Jesus." 

While  I  stood  beside  him  thus,  someone  tapped  me  on  the 
shoulder.  On  turning  round  I  was  beckoned  to  the  side  of  one  who 
was  laid  in  a  corner,  on  the  floor,  with  bis  face  toward  the  wall.  I 
knelt  beside  him  and  asked: 

"  What  can  I  do  for  you,  my  friend  ?  " 

He  opened  his  eyes,  with  an  effort,  and  said :  "  I  wish  you  to  take 
that,"  pointing  to  a  small  package  which  lay  beside  him.  "Keep 
it  until  you  get  to  Washington,  and  then,  if  it  is  not  too  much 
trouble,  I  want  you  to  write  to  mother  and  tell  her  how  I  was 
wounded,  and  that  I  died  trusting  in  Jesus." 

Then  I  knew  that  I  was  kneeling  beside  Willie  L.  He  was 
almost  gone — just  ready  "to  lay  down  the  cross  and  take  up  the 
cro^vn."  He  signed  to  me  to  come  nearer,  and  as  I  did  so  he  put 
his  hand  to  his  head  and  tried  to  separate  a  lock  of  hair  with  his 
fingers,  but  his  strength  failed.  I  understood  that  he  wished  me  to 
cut  off  a  lock  to  send  to  his  mother  with  the  package.  When  he 
saw  that  I  understood  him  he  seemed  pleased  that  his  last  request 
was  complied  with.  i- 

Our  hearts  and  hands  being  fully  occupied  with  such  scenes  as 
these,  we^ thought  of  nothing  else.  We  knew  nothing  of  the  true 
state  of  affairs  outside,  nor  could  we  believe  it  possible  when  we 
learned  that  the  whole  army  had  retreated  toward  Washington, 
leaving  the  wounded  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  us,  too,  in 
rather  an  unpleasant  situation. 

I  could  not  believe  'the  stern  truth,  and  was  determined  to  find 
out  for  myself.  Consequently  I  went  back  to  the  bights,  where  I 
had  seen  the  troops  stack  their  guns  and  throw  themselves  upon  the 
ground  at  night-fall,  but  no  troops  were  there.  I  thought  then  that 
they  had  merely  changed  their  position,  and  that  by  going  over  the 
field  I  should  certainly  find  them. 

I  had  not  gone  far  before  I  saw  a  camp-fire  in  the  distance. 
Supposing  that  I  had  found  a  clue  to  the  secret,  I  made  all  haste 
toward  the  fire ;  but  as  I  drew  near  I  saw  but  one  solitary  figura 
Bitting  by  it,  and  that  was  the  form  of  a  female.  -"'■    -    < 

Upon  going  up  to  her  I  recognized  her  as  one  of  the  washeYwom^ 


r 


ADVENTUEES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        tl 

of  our  army.     I  asked  her  what  she  was  doing  there  and  where  the 
army  had  gone. 

Said  she :  "  I  don't  know  anything  about  the  army ;  I  am  cooking 
my  husband 'd  supper,  and  am  expecting  him  home  every  minute. 
See  what  a  lot  of  things  I  have  got  for  him,"  pointing  to  a  huge  pile 
of  blankets,  haversacks  and  canteens  which  she  had  gathered  up  and 
over  which  she  had  constituted  herself  sentinel.  I  soon  found  out 
that  the  poor  creature  had  become  insane.  The  excitement  of  battle 
had  proved  too  much  for  her,  and  all  my  endeavors  to  induce  her  to 
come  with  me  were  unavailing.  I  had  no  time  to  spare,  for  I  wm 
convinced  tlmt  the  army  had  really  decamped. 

Once  more  I  started  in  the  direction  of  Centerviile.  I  had  not 
gone  more  than  a  few  rods  before  I  heard  the  clatter  ©f  horses'  hoofs. 
I  stopped,  and  looking  in  the  direction  of  the  fire  I  bad  just  quitted, 
I  saw  a  squad  of  cavalry  ride  up  to  the  woman,  who  still  sat  there. 
Fortunately  I  had  no  horse  to  make  a  noise  or  attract  attention, 
having  left  mine  at  the  hospital  with  the  intention  of  returning  im- 
mediately. 

It  was  evident  to  ray  mind  that  those  were  the  enemy's  cavalry, 
and  that  it  was  necessary  for  me  to  keep  out  of  sight  if  possible  until 
they  were  gone.  Then  the  thought  came  to  me  that  the  woman  at 
the  fire  kuew  no  better  than  to  tell  them  that  I  had  been  there  a 
few  minutes  before.  Happily,  however,  I  was  near  a  fence,  against 
which  there  were  great  piles  of  brush,  and  as  the  night  was  becom- 
ing very  dark  and  it  was  beginning  to  rain  I  thought  I  could  remain 
undetected,  at  least,  until  morning. 

My  suspicions  proved  to  be  correct  They  were  coming  toward 
me  and  compelling  the  woman  to  come  and  show  them  the  direclion 
I  had  taken.  I  decided  to  erawl  under  one  of  those  brush  heaps, 
which  I  did,  and  had  scarcely  done  so  when  up  they  came  and 
stopped  over  against  the  identical  pile  in  which  I  was  concealed. 

One  of  the  men  said :  "  See  here,  old  woman,  are  you  sure  that  she 
can  tell  us  if  we  find  her?"  **0h,  yes,  she  can  tell  you,  I  know 
she  can,"  was  the  woman's  reply.  They  would  go  away  a  little  dis- 
tance and  then  come  back  again.  By  and  by  they  began  to  accuse 
the  woman  of  playing  a  false  game.  Then  they  swore,  threatened 
to  shoot  her,  and  she  began  to  cry.  All  this  was  an  interesting  per- 
formance, I  admit;  but  I  did  not  enjoy  it  quite  so  much,  in  conse- 
quence of  being  rather  uncomfortably  near  the  performers.  At  last 
they  gave  it  up  as  a  hopeless  case  and  rode  away,  taking  the  woman 
with  them,  and  I  was  left  in  blissful  ignorance  of  the  mystery  which 
they  wished  me  to  unravel,  and  for  once  in  my  life  I  rejoiced  at  not 
having  my  "curiosity"  gratified. 

I  remained  there  until  the  last  echo  of  their  retreating  footsteps 
died  away  in  the  distance.    Then  I  came  forth  very  cautiously  and 


22  NURSE  AND  SPY. 

made  my  way  to  Centerville,  where  the  interesting  intelligence 
awaited  me  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  had  gone  and  had  taken  my  horse, 
supposing  that  I  had  been  taken  prisoner. 

The  village  of  Centerville  was  not  yet  occupied  by  the  rebels,  so 
that  I  could  have  made  my  escape  without  any  further  trouble ;  but 
how  could  I  go  and  leave  those  hospitals  full  of  dying  men,  without  ' 
a  soul  to  give  them  a  drink  of  water?  I  must  go  into  that  Stone 
Church  once  more,  even  at  the  risk  of  being  taken  prisoner.  I 
did  so,  and  the  cry  of  "  Water,  water,"  was  heard  above  the 
groans  of  the  dying.  Chaplain  B.  had  told  them  be/ore  leaving 
that  they  would  soon  be  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy ;  that  the  army 
had  retreated  to  Washington,  and  that  there  was  no  possibility  of  re- 
moving the  wounded. 

There  they  lay,  calmly  awaiting  the  approach  of  their  cruel  cap- 
tors, and  apparently  prepared  to  accept  with  resignation  any  fate 
which  their  cruelty  might  suggest.  Oh,  how  brave  those  men  were  1 
Nothing  but  the  grace  of  God  and  a  right  appreciation  of  the  great 
cause  in  which  they  had  nobly  fought  and  bled,  could  reconcile  them 
to  such  suffering  and  humiliation. 

They  all  urged  me  to  leave  them,  and  not  subject  myself  to  the 
barbarous  treatment  which  I  would  be  likely  to  receive  if  I  should 
be  taken  prisoner,  adding ;  "  If  you  do  stay  the  rebels  will  not-let  you 
do  anything  for  us."  One  of  the  men  said :  "  Dr.  E.  has  only  been 
gone  a  little  while — he  extracted  three  balls  from  my  leg  and  arm, 
and  that,  too,  with  his  pen-knife.  I  saw  21  balls  which  he  had  takes 
from  the  limbs  of  men  in  this  hospital.  He  was  determined  to  re- 
main with  us,  but  we  would  not  consent,  for  we  knew  he  would  not 
be  allowed  to  do  any  more  for  us  after  the  rebels  came;  and  you 
must  go,  too,  and  go  very  soon,  or  they  will  be  here." 

After  placing  water  within  reach  of  as  many  as  could  use  their 
arms,  and  giving  some  to  those  who  could  not,  I  turned  to  leave 
them,  with  feelings  that  I  cannot  describe ;  but  ere  I  reached  the 
door  a  feeble  voice  called  me  hack.  It  was  that  of  a  young  officer' 
from  Massachusetts;  he  held  in  his  hand  a  gold  locket,  and  as  he 
handed  it  to  me  he  sait? :  "Will  you  please  to  open  it?"  I  did  so, 
and  then  held  it  for  hira  to  take  a  last  look  at  the  picture  it  con- 
tained. He  grasped  it  eagerly  and  pressed  it  to  his  lips  again  and 
again. 

The  picture  was  that  of  a  lady  of  rare  beauty,  with  an  infant  in 
her  arms.  She  seemed  scarcely  more  than  a  child  herself.  On  the 
oppo^):Ti  side  was  printed  her  name  and  address.  While  he  still 
gazed  rjpon  it  with  quivering  lip,  and  I  stood  there  waiting  for 
some  tender  message  for  the  loved  ones,  the  unmistakable  tpamp  of 
cavalry  was  heard  in  the  street — a  moment  more  and  I  had  snatched 
the  locket  from  the  hands  of  the  dying  man  and  was  gone.  , 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  tTNION  SOLDIER.         IS  * 

The  streets  were  full  of  cavalry,  but  not  near  enough  to  dispover 
me,  as  the  night  was  exceedingly  dark  and  the  rain  came  dbwn  in 
torrents.  One  glance  was  sufficient  to  convince  me  that  I  could  not 
escape  by  either  street.  The  only  way  was  to  climb  a  fence  and  go 
across  lots,  which  I  immediately  did,  and  came  out  on  the  Fairfax 
road  about  a  mile  from  the  village,  and  then  started  for  Washington 
on  the  "  double-quick." 

I  did  not  reach  Alexandria  until  noon  the  next  day — alihost  ex- 
hausted, and  my  shoes  literally  worn  off  my  feet.  Having  walked 
all  the  way  from  Centerville  in  the  rain,  without  food,  together  with 
want  of  sleep  and,  the  fatigue  of  the  past  week,  caused  nie  to  present 
rather  an  interesting  appearance.  I  remained  there  two  days  before 
I  could  persuade  my  limbs  to  bear  the  weight  of  my  body.  I  then 
made  my  way  to  Washington,  where  I  found  my  friends  quite  anxious  ' 
lest  I  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  '  *'  ' 

A  number  of  men  from  whom  I  had  received  packages,  inoney,  ■ 
etc.,  before  going  into  battle,  and  who  reached  Washington  two  days 
befoce  I  did,  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  they  had  taken  a  pretty 
sure  way  of  sending  those  precious  things  to  Richmond,  and  therefore 
my  arrival  was  rather  an  important  event,  and  I  was  greeted  with  a 
hearty,  welcome. 

My  first  duty  was  to  attend  to  those  dying  soldiers'  requests,  which 
I  did  immediately  by  writing  to  their  friends  and  inclosing  the  articles  ' 
I  had  received  from  the  hands  of  those  loved  ones  who  were  how 
cold  in  death. 


CHAP7?ER     IV. 


Washington  After  Ball  Ran — Demoralization  of  the  Army — Sick  Soldiers. 
Hospital  Scenes — Extracts  from  My  Jonmal — Sympathy  of  Soldiers. 
Fishing  for  the  Sick — A  Fish-loving  Datebman — Reorganization  of  the 
Army — A  Visit  to  the  Pickets — Picket  Duties  and  Dangers — The  Armj 
Inactive — McClellan's  Address — Marching  Orders  Again — Embarkation 
of  th«  Army  for  Fortreas*Monroe — The  Crowded  Transports— Description 
of  the  Monitor — Her  Bnild  and  Armament — Her  Turret  and  Engines. 

Washington  at  that  time  presented  a  picture  strikingly  illustra- 
live  of  fnifitary  life  in  its  most  depressing  form.  To  use  the  words 
of  Capt.  Noyes :  **  There  were  stragglers  sneaking  along  through  the 
mud  inquiring  for  their  regiments,  wanderers  driven  in  by  the 
pickets,  some  with  guns  and  some  without,  while  every  one  jou  met 


>^.-  *■-: 


.-■s»^-  :.:>'   - 


U  NUESE  AND  SPY. 

had  a  sleepy,  downcast  appearance,  and  looked  as  if  he  would  like  to 
hide  his  head  from  all  the  world." 

Every  bar-room  and  groggery  seemed  filled  to  overflowing  with  offi- 
cers and  men,  and  military  discipline  was  nearly  or  quite  forgotten  for 
a  time  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  While  "Washington  was  in  this 
chaotic  condition  the  rebel  flag  was  floating  over  Munson's  Hill, 
in  plain  sight  of  the  Federal  Capital. 

When  Gen.  McClellan  took  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac he  found  it  in  a  most  lamentable  condition,  and  the  task  of 
reorganizing  and  disciplining  such  a  mass  of  demoralized  men  was 
a  herculean  one.  However,  he  proved  himself  equal  to  the  task, 
and  I  think  that  even  his  enemies  are  willing  to  admit  that  there 
is  no  parallel  case  in  history  where  there  has  been  more  tact, 
energy  and  skill  displayed  in  transforming  a  disorganized  mob  into 
an  efficient  and  efiective  army ;  in  fact,  of  bringing  order  out  of 
confusion. 

The  hospitals  in  Washington,  Alexandria,  and  Georgetown  were 
crowded  with  wounded,  sick»  discouraged  soldiers.  That  extraordi- 
nary march  from  Bull  Run,  through  rain,  mud,  and  chagrin,  did 
more  toward  filling  the  hospitals  than  did  the  battle  itself.  I  found 
Mrs.  B.  in  a  hospital,  suffering  from  typhoid  fever,  while  ^hap. 
B.  was  looking  after  the  temporal  and  spiritual  wants  of  the  men 
with  Iiis  usual  energy  and  sympathy.  He  had  many  apologies  to 
olier  "for  running  away  with  my  horse,"  as  he  termed  it. 

There  were  many  familiar  faces  missing,  and  it  required  consider- 
able time  to  ascertain  the  fate  of  my  friends.  Many  a  weary  walk 
I  had  from  one  hospital  to  another  to  find  some  missing  onje  who 
was  repoited  to  have  been  sent  to  such  and  such  a  hospital ;  but 
after  reading  the  register  from  top  to  bottom  I  would  find  no  such 
iiiune  there.  -Perhaps  on  my  way  out,  in  passing  the  open  door  of 
oiie  of  the  wards,  who  should  I  see,  lying  upon  a  cot,  but  the  very 
object  of  mv  search,  and  upon  returning  to  the  office  to  inform  the 
Sieward  of  the  fact,  I  would  find  that  "it  was  a  slight  mistake;  in 
re'.risteving  the  name,  instead  of  being  Josiah  Phelps  it  was  Joseph 
Philips  "  ;  only  a  E!i,:iht  mistake,  but  such  mistakes  cause  a  great 
deal  of  trouhle  sometimes. 

Measlc',  dysentery,  ar.d  typhoid  fever  were  the  prevailing  dis- 
c.iscs  ri'ter  ih o  vetreut.  After  spending  several  days  in  visiting  the 
dilTorynt  ho^^pitnls,  looking  after  personal  friends,  and  writing  letters 
for  tlio  co'dijrs  who  were  not  able  to  write  for  themselves,  I  was  regu- 
larly installed  ia  one  of  the  general  hospitals.  I  will  here  insert  an 
extract  from  my  journal : 

"Aug.  o,  1801.  Georgetown,  D.  C.  Have  been  on  duty  all  day. 
John  C.  is  ])eriectly  wild  with  delirium,  and  keeps  shouting  at  the 
top  of  hk  voice  some  military  command,  or.  when  vivid  recollectioua 


,..:.V 


■   ADVENTDEES  OP  A  WOBIAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        25 

of  the  battlefield  come  to  his  mind,  he  enacts  a  pantomime  of  the 
terrible  strife.  He  goes  through  the  whole  manual  of  arras  as  cor- 
rectly as  if  he  were  in  the  ranks ;  and  as  he,  in  imaginatioiJf  loads 
and  fires  in  quick  succession,  the  flashing  of  his  dying  eye  and 
the  nervous  vigor  of  his  trembling  hands  gives  fearful  interest  to 
the  supposed  encounter  with  the  enemy.  When  we  tell  him  the 
enemy  has  retreated,  he  persists  in  pursuing;  and  throwing  his  arms 
wildly  around  him,  he  shouts  to  his  men — '  Come  on  and  fight  while 
there  is  a  rebel  left  in  Virginia  I ' 

"  My  friend,  Lieut  M.,  is  extremely  weak  and  nervous,  and  the 
wild  ravings  of  J.  C.  disturb  him  exceedingly.  I  requested  Surg. 
P.  to  have  him  removed  to  a  more  quiet  ward,  and  received  in 
reply — *  This  is  the  most  quiet  ward  in  the  whole  building.'  There 
are  500  patients  here  who  require  constant  attention,  and  not  half 
enough  nurses  to  take  care  of  them. 

"  Oh,  what  an  amount  of  suffering  I  am  called  to  witness  every 
hour  and  every  moment.  There  is  no  cessation,  and  yet  it  is  strange 
that  the  sight  of  all  this  suffering  and  death  does  not  affect  me 
more.  I  am  simply  eyes,  ears,  hands  and  feet.  It  does  seem  as 
if  there  is  a  sort  of  stoicism  granted  for  such  occasions.  There  are 
great,  strong,  men  dying  all  around  me,  and  while  I  write  there  are 
three  being  carried  past  the  window  to  the  dead  room.  This  is  an 
excellent  hospital — everthing  is  kept  in  good  order,  and  the  medical 
officers  are  skillful,  kind,  and  attentive." 

The  weary  weeks  went  slowly  by,  while  disease  and  death  preyed 
upon  tlie  men,  and  the  "Soldiers'  Cemetery"  was  being  quickly 
filled  with  new-made  graves.  The  kindness  of  the  soldiers  toward 
each  other  is  proverbial,  and  is  manifested  in  various  ways.  It  is  a 
common  thing  to  see  soldiers  stand  guard  night  after  night  for  sick 
comrades,  and  when  off  duty  try  to  their  utmost  skill  to  prepare 
food  in  such  a  way  as  to  tempt  the  appetite  of  thoss  poor  fellows 
whom  the  Surgeons  "do  not  consider  sufficiently  ill  to  excuse  from 
duty;  "  but  their  comrades  do,  and  do  not  hesitate  to  perform  their 
duty  and  their  own  also. 

When  brought  to  camp  hospital,  helpless,  worn  down  by  dissase,  -nnd 
fever  preying  upon  their  vitals,  those  brave  and  faithful  comrades 
did  not  forsake  them,  but  came  several  times  every  day  to  inquire 
how  they  were,  and  if  there  was  anything  they  could  do  for  them. 
It  was  touching  to  see  those  men,  with  faces  bronzed  and  stem,  ten- 
derly bending  over  the  dying,  while  the  tears  coursed  down  their 
sunburnt  cheeks.  ♦ 

There  was  scarcely  a  soldier's  grave  whore  there  was  not  to  be 
«een  some  marks  of  this  noble  characteristic  of  the  soldier.  The 
tastefully  cut  sod,  the  planted  evergreen,  the  carefully  carved  head- 
board, all  told  of  the  affectiouato  remembrance  of  the  loved  comrade. 


14  NURSE  AND  SPY. 

had  a  sleepy,  downcast  appearance,  and  looked  as  if  he  would  like  to 
hide  his  head  from  all  the  world." 

Every  bar-room  and  groggery  seemed  filled  to  overflowing  with  offi- 
cers and  men,  and  military  discipline  was  nearly  or  quite  forgotten  for 
a  time  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  "While  Washington  was  in  this 
chaotic  condition  the  rebel  flag  was  floating  over  Munson's  Hill, 
in  plain  sight  of  the  Federal  Capital. 

When  Gen.  McClellan  took  command  of  the  Array  of  the  Poto- 
mac he  found  it  in  a  most  lamentable  condition,  and  the  task  of 
reorganizing  and  disciplining  such  a  mass  of  demoralized  men  was 
a  herculean  one.  However,  he  proved  himself  equal  to  the  task, 
and  I  think  that  even  his  enemies  are  willing  to  admit  that  there 
is  no  parallel  case  in  history  where  there  has  been  more  tact, 
energy  and  skill  displayed  in  transforming  a  disorganized  mob  into 
an  efficient  and  eSective  army ;  in  fact,  of  bringing  order  out  of 
confusion. 

The  hospitals  in  Washington,  Alexandria,  and  Georgetown  were 
crowded  with  wounded,  sick,  discouraged  soldiers.  That  extraordi- 
nary march  from  Bull  Run,  through  rain,  mud,  and  chagrin,  did 
more  toward  filling  the  hospitals  than  did  the  battle  itself.  I  found 
Mrs.  B.  in  a  hospital,  suffering  from  typhoid  fever,  while  Chap. 
B.  was  looking  after  the  temporal  and  spiritual  wants  of  the  men 
with  his  usual  enei'gy  and  sympathy.  He  had  many  apologies  to 
offer  "for  running  away  with  my  horse,"  as  he  termed  it. 

There  were  many  familiar  faces  missing,  and  it  required  consider- 
able time  to  ascertain  the  fate  of  my  friends.  Many  a  weary  walk 
I  had  from  one  hospital  to  another  to  find  some  missing  one  who 
was  re])orted  to  have  been  sent  to  such  and  such  a  hospital ;  but 
after  rcadirg  the  register  from  top  to  bottom  I  would  find  no  such 
name  there.  Perhaps  on  my  way  out,  in  passing  the  open  door  of 
one  of  the  wards,  who  should  I  see,  lying  upon  a  cot,  but  the  very 
object  of  my  search,  and  upon  returning  to  the  office  to  inform  the 
S  .ewTird  of  the  fact,  I  would  find  that  "  it  was  a  slight  mistake ;  in 
registering  the  name,  instead  of  being  Josiah  Phelps  it  was  Joseph 
Philips  ■'  ;  only  a  slight  mistake,  but  such  mistakes  cause  a  great 
deal  of  trouble  sometimes. 

Measles,  dyseiuery,  and  typhoid  fever  were  the  prevailing  dis- 
eases niter  the  retreat.  After  spending  several  days  in  visiting  the 
diiferent  ho.-pitnl?,  looking  after  personal  friends,  and  writing  letters 
for  the  soldiers  who  were  not  able  to  write  for  themselves,  I  was  regu- 
larly installod  in  one  of  the  general  hospitals.  I  will  here  insert  an 
extract  from  my  journal : 

"  Aue.  o,  l8(jl.  Georgetown,  D.  C.  Plave  been  on  duty  all  day. 
John  C.  is  perlectly  wild  with  delirium,  and  keeps  shouting  at  the 
top  of  hi*  voice  sorae  military  command,  or,  when  vivid  recollections 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        25 


of  the  battlefield  come  to  his  mind,  he  enacts  a  pantomime  of  the 
terrible  strife.  He  goes  through  the  whole  manual  of  arras  as  cor- 
rectly as  if  he  were  in  the  ranks ;  and  as  he,  in  imagination,  loads 
and  fires  in  quick  succession,  the  flashing  of  his  dying  eye  and 
the  nervous  vigor  of  his  trembling  hands  gives  iearfal  interest  to 
the  supposed  encounter  with  the  enemy.  When  we  tell  him  the 
enemy  has  retreated,  he  persists  in  pursuing;  and  throwing  his  arms 
•wildly  around  him,  he  shouts  to  his  men — '  Come  on  and  fight  while 
there'is  a  rebel  left  in  Virginia ! ' 

"My  friend,  Lieut.  M.,  is  extremely  weak  and  nervous,  and  the 
wild  ravings  of  J.  C.  disturb  him  exceedingly.  I  requested  Surg. 
P.  to  have  him  removed  to  a  more  quiet  ward,  and  received  in 
reply — « This  is  the  most  quiet  ward  in  the  whole  building.'  There 
are  oOO  patients  here  who  require  constant  attention,  and  not  half 
enough  nurses  to  take  care  of  them. 

"dh,  what  an  amount  of  suffering  I  am  called  to  witness  every 
hour  and  every  monient.  There  is  no  cessation,  and  yet  it  is  strange 
that  the  sight  of  all  this  suffering  and  death  does  not  affect  me 
more.  I  am  simply  eyes,  ears,  hands  and  feet.  It  does  seem  as 
if  there  is  a  sort  of  stoicism  granted  for  such  occasions.  There  are 
great,  strong  men  dying  all  around  me,  and  while  I  write  there  ara 
three  being  carried  past  the  window  to  the  dead  room.  This  is  an 
excellent  hospital — everthing  is  kept  in  good  order,  and  the  medical 
officers  are  skillful,  kind,  and  attentive."' 

The  weary  v.-ceks  ^Yent  slowly  by,  while  disease  and  death  preyed 
upon  the  men.  and  the  "Soldiers'  Cemetery"  was  being  quickly 
filled  with  i:e\v-made  graves.  The  kindness  of  the  soldiers  toward 
each  other  is  proverbial,  and  is  manifested  in  various  wav?.  It  is  a 
common  thing  to  see  soldiers  stand  guard  night  after  ni-^^ht  fi.)r  sick 
comrades,  and  when  off  duty  try  to  their  utmost  skill  to  prepare 
food  in  such  a  way  as  to  tempt  the  appetite  of  thnje  poor  f'^liov.s 
whom  the  Surgeons  "do  not  consider  siuTicienth'  ill  to  excuse  n-.r^j. 
duty ;  ■'  but  their  comrades  do,  and  do  not  hesitate  to  perform  their 
duty  and  their  own  also. 

When  brought  to  camp  hospital,  helpless,  worn  down  by  d'.ssase,  and 
fever  preying  upon  their  vitals,  those  brave  and  fait'.iiV.l  coinra'js 
did  not  forsake  them,  but  came  several  times  ev^ry  day  to  inpairo 
how  they  were,  and  if  there  was  anything  they  cor.ld  do  for  tlu:.i. 
It  was  touching  to  see  those  men,  with  faces  bronzed  arid  stern,  ten- 
derly bending  over  the  dying,  while  the  tears  coursed  down  their 
Bunburnt  cheeks. 

There  was  scarcely  a  soldier's  grave  v.hcre  there  was  not  to  be 
*en  some  marks  of  this  noble  characteristic  of  the  soldier.  The 
tastefully  cut  sod,  the  planted  evergreen,  the  carefully  carved  head- 
board, all  told  of  the  affectionate  remembrance  of  theloved-comrade. 


H  NURSE  AND  SPY.  ' 

Ydu  will  scarcely  find  such  strong  and  enduriog  friendship,  fucll 
spirit  of  self-sacrifice,  and  such  noble  and  grateful  hearts  as  among 
the  soldiers. 

I  think  this  is  one  reason  why  the  nurses  did  not  feel  the  fatigue 
of  hospital  duty  more  than  they  did.  The  gratitude  of  the  men 
Beems  to  act  as  a  stimulant,  and  the  patient,  uncomplaining  faces  of 
those  suffering  men  almost  invariably  greeted  you  with  a  smile.  I 
used  to  think  it  was  a  disgrace  to  any  one,  under  ordinary  circum- 
stances, to  be  heard  complaining,  when  those  mutilated,  pain-racked 
ones  bore  everything  with  such  heroic  fortitude. 

There  were  a  great  many  pleasant  things  in  connection  with  our 
camp-hospital  duties.  I  really  enjoyed  gratifying  some  of  the  whims 
and  strange  fancies  of  some  of  our  poor  convalescent  boys,  with 
whom  I  had  become  quite  a  favorite.  As  I  would  pass  along 
through  tlie  hospital  in  the  morning,  I  would  generally  have  plenty 
of  assistants  in  helping  to  make  out  my  program  for  the  day.  For 
one  I  had  to  write  letters,  read  some  particular  book  to  another,  and. 
for  a  third  I  must  catch  some  fish. 

- .  1  remember  on  one  occasion  of  an  old  Dutchman,  a  typhoid  con- 
valescent, declaring  that  he  coi^ld  eat  nothing  until  be  could  get 
some  fresh  fish,  and  of  course  I  must  procure  them  for  him. 

"But,"  said  I,  "the  doctor  must  be  consulted;  perhaps  he  will 
not  tliiiik  it  best  for  you  to  have  any  fish  yet,  until  you  are  stronger." 

"Yell,  I  dusn't  care  for  te  tocter;  he  dusn't  know  what  ray  appe- 
tite is;  te  feeah  I  must  have.  Oh,  mine  Cot!  I  must  have  some 
feesh."  And  the  old  man  wept  like  a  child  at  the  thought  of  being 
(disappointed. 

"  Hunter's  Creek  "  was  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  camp,  where 
Ml-,  and  Mrs.  B.  and  I  had  spent  many  an  hour  fishing  and  shooting 
at  the  flocks  of  wild  ducks  which  frequented  it ;  so,  after  providing 
myself  with  hook,  line  and  bait,  I  made  ray  way  to  the  creek.  Soon 
after  I  commenced  operations  I  drew  up  a  monstrous  eel,  which  de- 
fied all  ray  efforts  to  release  the  hook  from  its  jaws. 

At  last  I  was  obliged  to  draw  it  into  camp  by  means  of  the  line, 
and  I  was  amply  repaid  for  ray  trouble  on  seeing  the  delight  of  the 
convalescents,  and  especially  of  ray  old  Dutchman,  who  continued 
to  slap  his  bauds  together  and  say,  "Dhat  ish  coot,  dhat  ish  coot" 
The  eel  was  handed  over  to  the  cook  to  be  prepared  for  dinner,  and, 
to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  Dutchman,  he  was  permitted  to  enjoy 
a  portion  of  it. 

.  The  army  under  McClellan  began  to  assume  a  warlike  aspect. 
Perfect  order  and  military  discipline  were  observed  everywhere 
among  the  soldiers.  It  was  a  splendid  sight  to  see  thote  well-drilled 
troops  on  dress-parade,  or  being  reviewed  by  their  gallauti  young 
commander,  upon  whose  shoulders  the  "stars "  sat  with  so  much 
grac3  and  dignity.     ,    ..  «     •  ;     ;    v    i  '     -    x 


^=-t:, 


.»*       '■--   -sv' 


■••1IBP<?"- 


^i    -?^*".^M'    * 


'•■■■■•■■'^v -«(-■--■' 


";.C'-'*; 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIEB.        27 


\ 
{ 


The  moDOtony  of  camp  life  began  to  be  broken  up  by  armed 
reconnuissances  and  skirmishing  between  the  pickets.  Our  lines 
Avere  pushed  forward  to  Lewinsville  on  the  right,  and  to  Munson'a 
Hill  in  front. 

The  pickets  of  both  armies  were  posted  in  plain  sight  of  each 
other,  only  separated  by  the  beautiful  cornfields  and  peach-orchards. 
Picket  firing  -was  kept  up  all  along  the  lines  on  both  sides,  notwith- 
standing that  flags  of  truce  had  been  sent  in  by  both  parties  several 
times,  requesting  that  this  barbarous  practice  might  cease. 

As  soon  as  Mrs.  B.  was  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  ride,  /we 
started  one  day,  accompanied  by  Mr.  B.  and  Dr.  E.,  for  MuDson's 
Hill  to  see  the  pickets  on  duty.  We  rode  along  until  we  came 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  rifle-pits  where  our  men  were,  when 
the  rebels  fired  upon  us.  We  turned  and  rode  back  until  we  came 
to  a  clump  of  trees,  where  we  dismounted,  hitched  our  horses,  and 
proceeded  the  rest  of  the  way  on  foot,  part  of  the  way  having  to 
crouch  along  on  aur  hands  and  knees,  in  order  to  escape  the  bullets 
which  were  whistling  above  us. 

We  reached  the  rifle-pits  in  safety,  which  were  close  to  a  rail 
fence,  the  rails  of  which  were  perfectly  riddled  with  minie-b'alls. 
While  we  sat  there  looking  through  an  opera-glass,  whiz !  came  a 
ball  and  struck  the  rail  against  which  my  head  rested.  Glancing,  it 
passed  through  Dr.  E.'s  cap  and  lodged  in  the  shoulder  of  one  of  the 
men. .  We  remained  there  until  the  firing  ceased,  then  returned  to 
camp,  carrying  with  us  the  wounded  man. 

Picket  duty  is  one  of  the  most  perilous  and  trying  duties  con- 
nected with  the  service.  A  clergyman-soldier  writing  upon  this  sub- 
ject briefly  describes  it: 

"Picket  duty  at  all  times  is  arbitrary,  but  at  night  it  Ts  trebly  sa 
No  monarch  on  a  throne,  with  absolute  power,  is  more  independent 
or  exercises  greater  sway  for  the  time  being  than  a  private  soldier 
stationed  on  his  beat  with  an  enemy  in  front  Darkness  veils  all  dis- 
tinctions. He  is  not  obliged  to  know  his  own  oflicers  or  comrades 
or  the  Commanding  General,  only  through  the  means  of  the  counter- 
sign. With  musket  loaded  and  capped  he  walks  his  rounds,  having 
to  do  with  matters  only  of  life  and  death,  and  at  the  same  time 
clothed  with  absolute  power. 

"  It  is  a  position  of  fearful  importance  and  responsibilitv,  one  that 
makes  a  man  feel  solemn  and  terribly  in  earnest.  Often',  too,  these 
posts  are  til  thick  woods,  where  the  soldier  stands  alone,  cut  off  from 
camp,  cut  off  from  His  fellows,  subject  only  to  the  harassintys  of  his 
own  imagination  and  sense  of  danger.  The  shadows  deepen  into 
inky  night ;  all  objects  around  him,  even  the  little  birds  that  were 
his  companions  during  the  day,  are  gathered  within  the  curtains  of 
a  hushed  repose ;  hult,  the  soldier,  with  every  nerve  aud  faculty  of 


NUBSE  AND  SPY. 


,You  will  scarcely  fiud  such  strong'  attd  dndiinng'  fxiendship,  laeh 
spirit  of  self'Sacrifice,  and  such  noble  and  grateful  hearts  as  among 
the  soldiers.  '  '    .^'■ 

r  I  t&ink  this  is  one  reason  why  the  nurses  did  not  feel  the  fatigue 
of  hospital  duty  more  than  they  did.  The'  gratitude  of  the  men 
seems  to  act  as  a  stimulant,  and  the  patient,  uncopiplaining  faces  of 
those.  sufTeriog  men  almost  invariably  greeted  you  nvitb  a  smile.  I 
used  ito  think  it  >vas  a  diQgrace  to  any  one,  undfer  ordinary  circttm< 
stances,  to.be  heard  complaining,  when  those , .mutilated,  pain-racked 
onea  bqre  everything  with  sueh  heroic  fortitude. 

There  were  a  great  many  pleasant  things  in  co9nection  with  our 
camp-hospital  duties.  I  really  enjoyed  gratifying  some  of  the  whims 
and  strange  fancies  of  some  of  our  poor  convalescent  boys,  with 
whom  I.bjEid  become  quite  a  favorite..  As  I  would  pass  along 
.through  the  hospital  in  the  morning,  I  would  generally  have  plenty 
of  assistants  in  helning  to  make  out  my  program  for  the  day.  For 
one  i.had  to  write  letters,  read  some  particular  book  to  another,  and. 
for  a  third  I  must  caitch  some  fish. 

:.^.  'j^  jiemember  on  one  occasion  of  an  old  Dutchman,  a  typhoid  con- 
valescent, declaring  that  he  could  eat  nothins  until  be  could  get 
some  fresh,  fish,  ana  of  course  I  must  procure  them  for  him.  .  ' 

'*Bat"  said  I,  "the  doctor  must  be  consulted;  peihaps  be  will 
not  ,thiuk  it  best  for  you  to  have.any  fish  yet,  until  you  are  atronge'r." 

"Yell,  I  dusn't  care  for  te  tocter;  he  dusn'ti know  what  iny  appe- 
titq  is;  te  feeah  I  roust  have.  Ob,  mine  Got!  I  must  have  scnne 
fees))."  And  the  old  man  wept  like  a  child  at  the  thought  of  being 
disappointed.  ,.:,  ,  . "        :. .;    f,*',;;.. .;     f     - 

"  j^untor's  Creek  "was  about  a  mile  and  a  half  fromlicamp,  where 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  and  .1  had  spent  many  an  hour  fishing  and  shooting 
at  the  flocks  of  wild  ducks  which  frequented  it;  so,^ler  providing 
myself  with  hook,  line  i^od  bait,  I  made  my  way  to  the  creek:  Soon 
after  I  commenced  operations  I  drew  up  a  monstrous  eel,  which  de- 
fied all  my  etforts  to  release  the  hook  from  its  jaws. 

At  last  I  was  obliged  to  draw  it  into  camp  by  means  of  the  line, 
aud^  I  ,waa  amply  repaid,  for  my  trouble  on  seeing  the  delight  of  the 
convalescepts,  and  es^cially  of  my  old  Dutchman,  who  continued 
to  slap  bis,  hands  together  and  say,  "Dhat  ish  coot,  dbat  lah  coot'' 
iTbo  eel  was  handed  over  to  the  cook  to  be  prepared  for  dinner,  aud, 
to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the  Dutchman,  he  was  permitted  to  enjoy 
.a.portion  of  it. 

The  iiirmy  under  McCIellan  began  to  assume  a  warlike  aspect. 
^Perfept  order  and  .military  discipline  were  •  observed  everyidiere 
Tamong  the  soldiera  .>It  Was  a  splenc^id  sight  to  see  thoie  Well-drilled 
,tropps  oiji  dress-parade,  <'or  being  reviewed  by  their  gnlltinti  yening 
^commander,  upoi^  v^ose  shoulders!;  the  "tsstars '^  gait  with  so  o^iica 
gracs'anfl  dignity,'    ,    ..     >     r    >'    .     i     ;    »•    a  ')'..<    ^^  ,x    ;     ;■ 

'i.        ■>  ■  '\     '■■■         t         ^•'  ■'     ■■         ''*    '•"    ^"  '     •■'^  .  *    ■^.  '■    ■•'>    '-*    * 


■/  ; 


's-s;?- 


ivi. 


...V 


.y^::i-^ 


:ny'-. 


>&.t. 


/r'» 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        27 

The  monotony  of  camp  life  began  to  be  broken  up  bj  armed 
reconauiasances  and  skirmishing  between  the  pickets.  Our  lines 
were  pushed  forward  to  Lewinsville  on  the  right,  and  to  Munson's 
Hill  in  front 

The  pickets  of  both  armies  were  posted  in  plain  sight  of  each 

other,  only  separated  by  the  beautiful  cornfields  and  peach-orchards. 

Picket  firing  was  kept  up  all  along  the  lines  on  both  sides,  notwith> 

standing  that  flags  of  truce  had  been  sent  in  by  both  parties  several 

.  titnes,  requesting  that  this  barbarous  practice  might  cease. 

As  soon  as  Mrs.  B.  was  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  ride,  /We 
started  one  day,  accompanied  by  Mr.  B.  and  Dr.  E.,  for  Muoaou's 
Hill  to  see  the  pickets  on  duty.  We  rode  along  until  we  came 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  rifle-pits  where  our  men  were,  when 
the  rebels  fired  upon  us.  We, turned  and  rode  back  until  we  came 
to  a  clump  of  trees,  where  we  dismounted,  hitched  our  horses,  and 
proceeded  the  rest  of  the  way  on  foot,  part  of  the  way  having  to 
crouch  along  on  our  hands  and  knees,  in  order  to  escape  the  bullets 
which  were  whistling  above  us. 

We  reached  the  rifle-pits  in  safety,  wliicli  were  close  to  a  rail 
fence,  the  rails  of  which  were  perfectly  riddled  with  minie-b'alls. 
While  we  sat  there  looking  through  an  opera-glass,  whiz!  came  a 
ba^i  and  struck  the  rail  against  which  my  head  r^ted.  Glancing,  it 
passed  through  Dr.  R's  cap  and  lodged  in  the  shoulder  of  one  of  the 
men. .  We  remained  there  until  the  firing  ceased,  then  returned  to 
camp,  carrying  with  us  the  wounded  man. 

Picket  duty  is  one  of  the  most  perilous  and  trying  duties  con> 
nected  with  the  service.  A  clergyman-soldier  writing  upon  this  sub- 
ject briefly. describes  it: 

"  Picket  duty  at  all  times  is  arbitrary,  but  at  night  it  r.s  trebly  so. 
No  monarch  on  a  throne,  with  absolute  power,  is  more  independent 
or  exercises  greater  sway  for  the  time  being  than  a  private  soldier 
stationed  on  bis  beat  with  an  enemy  in  front  Darkness  veils  all  dis- 
tinctions. He  is  not  obliged  to  know  his  own  oflicers  or  comrades 
or  the  Commanding  General,  only  through  the  means  of  the  oonnter- 
sign.  With  musket  loaded  and  capped  he  walks  his  rounds,  having 
to  do  with  matters  only  of  life  and  death,  and  at  the  same  time 
clothed  with  absolute  power. 

"It  is  a  position  of  tearful  importance  and  responsibility,  one  that 
makes  a  man  feel  solemn  and  terribly  in  earnest  Often]  too,  ^these 
posts  are  in  thick  woods,  where  the  soldier  stands  alone,  cut  off  from 
camp,  cut  off  from  his  fellows,  subject  only  to  the  harassings  of  his 
own  iinagina,tiou  and  sense  of  danger.  The  shadows  dee|)en  into 
inky  night;  all  objects  around  him,  even  the  little  birds  that  were 
his  companions  during  the  day,  are  gathered  within  the  curtains  of 
a  hushed  repose ;  bui*.  the  soldier,  with  every  nerve  and  faculty  of 


88 


NURSE  AND  SPY. 


his  mind  strained  to  the  utmost  tension  of  keenness  and  sensibility, 
speaks  only  in  whispers ;  his  fingers  tighten  round  the  stock  of  his 
musket  as  he  leans  forward  to  catch  the  sound  of  approaching  foot- 
steps, or,  in  the  absence  of  danger,  looks  longingly  up  to  the  cold, 
gray  sky,  with  its  wealth  of  shining  stars."     . 

Yes,  the  picket  is  exposed  to  danger  constantly,  and  to  various 
kinds  of  danger.  He  knows  not  what  moment  a  lurking  foe  may 
spring  upon  him  from  the  darkness,  or  a  bullet  from  a  scout  or  a 
sharpshooter  may  reach  him  at  any  time.  Then,  too,  he  is  exposed 
to  the  raging  elements — -heat  and  cold,  rain  and  snow;  no  matter 
whether  in  the  depths  of  the  forest,  or  in  the  open  plain,  or  in  the 
rifle-pit  standing  in  water  knee  deep,  the  poor  picket  must  not  heed 
the  storm,  but  keep  both  eyes  and  ears  open  to  catch  the  slightest 
sound. 

After  severe  marches,  when  the  men  are  greatly  fatigued  and  it 
seems  almost  impossible  to  perform  any  more  duty  without  rest  and 
sleep,  some,  of  course,  are  sent  on  picket  duty,  while  the  rest  are 
permitted  to  sleep.  Oh,  how  my  heart  has  ached  for  those  men ; 
and  it  seemed  to  me  that  the  persons  and  regiments  in  which  I  was 
most  interested  always  had  the  most  picket  duty  to  perform. 

On  the  14th  of  March  Gen.  McClellan  issued  an  address  to  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  announcing  the  reasons  why  they  had  been 
so  long  unemployed.  The  battle  of  Bull  Run  was  fought  in  July, 
1861.  It  was  now  March,  1862,  and  during  this  interval  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  numbering  some  250,000  men,  had  been  inactive, 
excepting  their  daily  drills  behind  their  intrenchments.  The  flags 
of  the  enemy  were  in  sight  AVashington  was  in  a  state  of  siege,  and 
not  a  transport  could  ascend  the  river  without  running  the  gauntlet 
of  rebel  batteries.  In  his  address  Gen.  McClellan  announced  the  rea- 
sons for  inactivity  as  follows : 

"  Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac :  For  a  long  time  I  have 
kept  you  inactive,  but  not  without  a  purpose.  You  were  disciplined, 
armed  and  instructed.  The  formidable  artillery  you  now  have  had 
to  be  created.  Other  armies  were  to  move  and  accomplish  certain 
results.  I  have  held  you  back  that  you  might  give  the  death-blow 
to  the  rebellion  that  has  distracted  our  once  happy  country.  The  pa- 
tience you  have  shown,  and  your  confidence  in  your  General,  are 
worth  a  dozen  victories. 

"  These  preliminary  results  are  now  accomplished.  I  feel  that 
the  patient  labors  of  many  months  have  produced  their  fruit  The 
Army  of  the  Potomac  is  now  a  real  army,  magnificent  in  material,  ad- 
mirable in  discipline  and  instruction,  excellently  equipped  and  armed. 
Your  commanders  are  all  that  I  could  wish.  The  moment  for  action 
has  arrived,  and  I  know  that  I  can  trust  in  you  to  save  our  counti?y. 
The  period  of  inaction  has  passed.     I  will  now  bring  you  face  to 


.fti.'^-*3l 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       29 

face  with  the  rehels,  aild  only  pray  that  God  may  defend  the  right." 
Marching  orders  were  issued  once  more  to  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac. The  sick  were  sent  off,  camps  broken  up,  and  all  stood  pre- 
pared for  another  enconnter  with  the  enemy.  The  bitter  remem- 
brance of  the  defeat  at  Bull  KuiAstill  rankled  in  the  minds  of  the 
men,  and  now  they  were  anxious  for  an  opportunity  to  retaliate  upon 
the  foe,  and  win  back  the  laurels  they  had  so  ingloriously  lost  upon 
that  disastrous  field. 

Various  speculations  were  indulged  in  with  regard  toxtheir  desti- 
nation. One  prophesied  that  they  were  going  to  Richmond  by  way 
of  Fredericksburg ;  another  was  positive  that  they  were  to  go  by  the 
way  of  Manassas,  and  a  third  declared  that  it  was  down  the  Shenan- 
doah Valley  to  take  Richmond  on  the  flank  and  rear ;  but  to  tlie  utter 
astonishment  of  all,  they  were  ordered  to  Alexandria  to  embark  for 
Fortress  Monroe.  Regiment  after  regiment  was  huddled  together 
on  board  until  every  foot  of  room  was  occupied,  and  there  remained 
but  little  prospect  of  comfort  for  either  officers  or  men. 

As  soon  as  each  transport  received  its  cargo  of  men,  horses  and 
provisions,  it  floated  out  into  the  stream,  while  another  steamed  up 
to  the  wharf  in  its  place,  until  the  whole  fleet  lay  side  by  side,  freighted 
with  over  100,000  human  lives,  and  awaiting  the  signal  to  weigh 
anchor. 

The  troops  were  eager  for  a  campaign ;  they  had  lain  inactive  so 
long,  while  victory  thundered  all  around  them,  that  they  were  be- 
coming impatient  to  strike  another  blow  at  the  rebellion,  and  blot  out  } 
the  remembrance  of  the  past.  Roanoke,  Pea  Ridge,  Newbern,  Win- 
chester, and  Donelson  were  a  succession  of  victories  which  had 
been  achieved,  and  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  not  participated 
in  them.  The  men  felt  this  and  were  prepared  for  anything  but  in- 
activity. 

Everything  being  in  readine^,  the  signal  was  given,  and  the 
whole  fleet  was  soon  moving  in  the  direction  of  Fortress  Monroe, 
with  the  Stars  and  Stripes  floating  from  every  masthead,  and  the 
music  of  National  airs  awakening  the  slumbering  echoes  as  we 
swiftly  glided  over  the  quiet  waters  of  the  Potomac. 

The  first  real  object  of  interest  which  presented  itself  was  the 
Monitor  lying  ofi*  Fortress  Monroe.  It  reminded  me  of  what  I  once 
heard  a  man  say  to  his  neighbor  about  his  wife.  Said  he :  "  Neigh- 
bor, you  might  worship  your  wife  without  breaking  either  of  the  10 
commandments."  "How  is  that?"  asked  the  man.  "Because  she 
is  not  the  lil^eness  of  anything  in  heaven  above,  or  in  the  earth  be- 
neath,: or  in  the  waters  under  the  earth."  So  thought  I  of  the 
Monitor. 

There  she  sat  upon  the  water  a  glorious,  impregnable  battery,  the 
wonde?  of  the  age,  the  terisr  of  rebels  and  the  pride  of  the  North, 


N^jMfi  AND  SBT. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Arrival  at  Fortress  Mooroe — The  Yilla^of  Hampton — Visiting  the  Contra- 
bands— Arrival  of  Fugitives — A  Real  "  Cainp-meeting  " — Feeding  the 
Negroes — Camp  Itliseries — Mules — Miss  Periwinkle's  Mules — The  Coquet- 
tish, the  Moral,  the  Histrionic  and  the  Pathetic  Mule — Our  Jack — Lines 
of  Love — My  Box  and  Presents — A  Three-story  Cake — A  Serenade  and 
Surprise  Party— Good  and  Bad  Chaplains — The  Morals  of  the  Army. 
Slanders  About  Soldiere. 

We  arrired  at  Fortress  Monroe  in  a  drenching  rain,  immediately 
disembarked  and  proceeded  at  once  to  Hampton,  formerly  a  beauti- 
ful little  village  containing  about  500  houses,  many  of  them  elegant 
brick  buildings,  but  which  now  lay  a  blackened  mass  of  ruins,  hav- 
ing been  burned  a  few  months  previous  by  order  of  rebel  Gen.  Ma- 
gi'uder.  The  village  was  about  three  miles  from  Fortress  Monroe, 
and  situated  on  the  west  side  of  a  creek,  or  arm  of^  the  sea,  called 
Hampton  River,  the  Yorktown  road  passing  directly  through  its 
center. 

It  was  a  great  relief  to  the  troops  to  disembark  from  the  filthy, 
crowded  transports,  notwithstanding  they  had  to  march  through  the 
mud  and  rain,  and  then  pitch  their  tents  on  the  wet  ground.  Fires 
were  soon  built,  coffee  made  and  nice  fresh  bread  served  out,  which 
was  brought  to  us  by  the  Commissary  Department  at  the  fort. 

As  Mrs.  B.  and  1  had  a  little  respite  at  this  particular  juncture, 
we  set  about  visiting  the  contrabands.  They  occupied  a  long  row 
of  board  bL'.'lilings  near  the  fort.  The  men  were  emoloyed  in  load- 
ing aiiu  unloading  Government  vessels,  and  the  women  were  busily 
engaged  in  cooking  and  washing. 

ISo  language  can  describe  the  joy  of  these  men  and  women  at  be- 
ing liberated  from  b(;ndiigc.  As  the  Jews  of  old  were  looking  for 
the  promised  Messiah,  so  the  slaves  universally  regarded  the  advent 
ol'  the  Northern  army  as  th2  harbinger  of  their  deliverance. 

Mr.  A.  relates  the  following  anecdote,  illustrative  of  this  fact, 
which  took  place  at  the  battle  of  Kewberne:  "A  slaveholder,  breath- 
JeHt'  with  terror,  spurred  his  horse  to  his  utmost  speed  past  his  own 
bouse,  not  venturing  to  stop.  Just  then  a  shell,  with  its  terrific, 
!n<i  arciily  shriek,  rushed  through  the  air  over  his  head. 

"A  poor  slave,  a  man  of  uuieigncd  piety  and  fervent  prayer,  in 
'.Hicoritroilable  emotions  of  joy,  ran  into  his  humble  cabin,  shouting : 
•  Wi/o,  he  is  running,  he  i«  running,  and  the  wrath  of  God  is  after 
bin:.  Glory  hallelujah!  the  appointed  time  has  come;  we  are  free, 
we  are  free  I'  " 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AJBA' UNION  SOLDIER.        31 

With  regard  to  my  own  visit  to  the  contrabaad  quarters,  I  give 
tlie  following  extract  from  my  journal :  "  Visited  the  contrabands 
t(!-(lay,  and  was  much  pleased  with  their  cheerful,  happy  appearance. 
Tliey  are  exceedingly  ignorant,  yet  there  is  one  subject  upon  which 
they  can  converse  freely  and  intelligibly,  and  that  is  Christ — the 
way  of  salvation.  Almost  all  with  whom  I  conversed  to-day  weret 
praying  men  and  women. 

" Oh,  how  I  should  like  to  have  .taught  these  people!  They 
seemed  so  anxious  for  instruction,  I  kdow  they  would  learn  quickly, 
Some  of  them  are  whiter  and  prettier  than  most  of  our  Northern 
ladies.  There  is  a  family  here  all  of  whom  have  blue  eyes,  light 
hair,  fair  skin  and  rosy  cheeks ;  yet  they  are  contrabands  and  have 
been  slaves.  But  why  sholud  blue  eyes  and  goJden  hair  b^  the  (lis- 
tinction  between  bond  and  free  ?  "'  ■* 

One  bitter,  stormy  night,  about  11  o'clock,  a  band  of  these  poor 
fugitives,  numbering  over  40,  presented  themselves  at  the  picket-, 
line  for  admittance  to  the  Federal  camp,  imploring  protection.  The 
officer  of  the  picket-guard  being  called,  and  the  case  presented,  the 
contrabands  were  permitted  to  pass  through.  But  no  sooner  had 
their  poor  torn  and  bleeding  feet  touched  the  Federal  soil  than  they 
fell  upon  their  knees  and  returned  thanks  to  God  and  to  the  soldiers 
for  their  deliverance.  They  came  into  camp  ^bout  1  o'clock  in  the. 
morning^  shouting :  "Glory!     Glory  to  God  !  " 

Notwithstanding  the  early  hour,  and  tbie  stormy  night,  the  whole 
camp  was  aroused.  Everyone  rushed  out  to  find  out  the  cause  of 
the  excitement.  There  they  were,  black  as  midnight,  all  huddled 
together  in  a  little  group — some  praying,  some  singing  and  others 
shouting.     We  had  a  real  camp-naeeting  time  for  a  while. 

Soon  the  exercises  changed,  and  they  began  to  relate  their  ex- 
periences, not  only  religious  experiences,  but  a  brief  history  of  their 
lives.  Some  were  husbands  and  fathers.  Their  mastei^  had  sold 
tjiem  down  South,  lest  they  should  escape.  In  their  terror  they  had 
escaped  by  night,  and  fled  to  the  National  banner  for  refuge^  leav- 
ing all  behind  that  was  dear  to  them. 

In  conclusion,  one  old  man,  evidently  their  leader,  stood  up  and 
said  :.  "  I  tell  you,  my  breddern,  dat  de  good  Lord  has  borne  wid 
dis  yere  slav'ry  long  time  wid  great  patience.  But  now  he  can't 
bore  it  no  longer,  no  how ;  and  he  has  said  to  de  people  ob  de 
North — go  and  tell  de  slave-holders  to  let  de  people  go,  dat  dey  may 
sarve  me." 

There  were  many  there  who  had  listened  to  the  old  colored  man's 
speech  and  believed,  as  I  did,  that  there  was  more  truth  than  poetry 
in  it.'  M^ny ^hearts  were  moved  with  sympathy  toward  them,  as 
was  soon  proved  by  the  actions  of  the  soldiers. 

An  immense  fire  was   built,  around  which  these  poor  darkies 


82 


NUESE   AND   SPY. 


eagerly  gathered,  as  they  were  both  wet,  cold  and  hungry ;  then  a 
large  cainp-kettle  of  coffee  was  made  and  set  before  them,  with 
plenty  of  bread  and  meat  to  satisfy  their  ravenous  appetites,  for 
ravenous  they  were,  not  having  tasted  food  for  more  than  two  days. 
Then  blankets  were  provided,  and  they  soon  became  comfortable 
and  as  happy  as  human  beings  could  be  under  such  circumstances. 

A  cold,  drizzling  rain  continued  to  descend  for  several  days,  and 
our  camp  became  a  fair  specimen  of  Virginia  mud.  I  began  to  feel 
the  effects  of  the  miasma  which  came  floating  on  every  breeze  from 
the  adjacent  swamps  and  marshes,  and  fever  and  ague  became  my 
constant  companions  for  a  time. 

As  I  sat  in  my  tent,  roasting  or  shivering  as  the  case  might  be, 
I  took  a  strange  pleasure  in  watching  the  long  trains  of  six  mule 
teams  which  were  constantly  passing  and  repassing  within  a  few  rods 
of  my  tent.  As  "Miss  Periwinkle"  remarks,  there  are  several 
classes  of  mules.  "  The  coquettish  mule  has  small  feet,  a  nicely 
trimmed  tail,  perked  up  ears,  and  seems  much  given  to  little  tosses 
of  the  head,  affected  skips  and  pfances,  and,  if  he  wears  bells  or 
streamers,  puts  on  as  many  airs  as  any  belle.  The  moral  mule  is  a 
stout,  hardworking  creature,  always  tugging  with  all  his  might,  often 
Dulling  away  after  the  rest  have  stopped,  laboring  under  the  consci- 
entious delusion  that  food  for  the  entire  army  depends  upon  his  indi- 
vidual exertions. 

"  The  histrionic  mule  is  a  melo-dramatic  sort  of  quadruped,  prone 
to  startle  humanity  by  erratic  leaps  and  wild  plunges,  much  shaking 
of  tlie  stubborn  head  and  lashing  of  his  vicious  heels  ;  now  and  then 
falling  flat,  and  apparently  dying,  a  la  Forrest,  a  gasp,  a  groan,  a 
shudder,  etc.,  till  the  street  is  blocked  up,  the  drivers  all  swearing  like 
so  many  demons,  and  the  chief  actor's  circulation  becomes  decidedly 
quickened  by  every  variety  of  kick,  cuff  and  jerk  imaginable.  When 
the  last  breath  seems  to  have  gone  with  the  last  kick,  and  the  har- 
ness has  "Oeen  taken  off,  then  a  sudden  resurrection  takes  place.  He 
sprincs  to  his  feet  and  proceeds  to  give  himself  two  or  three  comfort- 
able "shake?,  and  if  ever  mule  laughed  in  scornful  triumph  it  is  he, 
and  as  he  calmly  surveys  the  excited  crowd,  seems  to  say:  *  A  hit!  a 
decided  hit  I '  For  once  the  most  stupid  of  all  animals  has  oittwit- 
ted  more  than  a  dczen  of  the  lords  of  creation. 

"  The  pathetic  mule  is,  perhaps,  the  most  interesting  of  all ;  for 
although  he  always  seems  to  be  the  smallest,  thinnest,  and  weakest 
of  t'r.e  dx,  yet,  in  addition  to  his  equal  portion  of  the  heavy  load, 
he  carries  on  his  back  a  great  postillion,  with  tremendous  boots,  long 
tailed  coat,  and  heavy  whip.  This  poor  creature  struggles  feebly 
along,  head  down,  coat  muddy  and  rough,  eye  spiritless  and  sad,  and 
]iis  wliole  appearance  a  periect  picture  of  meek  misery,  fit  to  touch 
a  heart  of  stone. 


r/j 
o 

o 


02 

H 
O 

> 


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,,,^j..,^  T.'    .,-:i  ■,'•,"■?' ■'•(.■•'■-I?' 


i'        f. 


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■■x'  TV.;-r  :,-..""M' 


•ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         35 

**  Tben  there  is  another  class  of  mules  which  always  have  a  jolly, 
cheer-up  look  about  them.  They  take  everything  good  uaturedly, 
from  cudgelling  to  caressing,  and  march  along  with  a  roguish  twinkle 
in  their  eye  which  is  very  interesting." 

One  morning,  as  I  was  just  recovering  from  fever  and  ague,  Jack, 
our  faithful  colored  boy,  made  his  appearance  at  the  door  of  my  tent; 
touching  his  hat  in  the  most  approved  military  style,  and  handed 
me  a  letter  bearing  my  address,  saying,  as  lie  did  so :  "  Dahs  a  box 
at  de  'spress  office  for  you.  May  I  run  and  fotch  it?  "  I  said,  "  Oh, 
yes.  Jack,  you  may  bring  it,  but  be  careful  and  keep  the  cover  on ; 
there  may  be  chickens  in  it." 

In  the  meantime  I  opened  my  letter,  from  which  I  make  the  fol- 
lowing extract :  "  Having  learned  your  address  through  Mrs.  L— — , 
whose  ion  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  we  send  you  a  dona- 
tion in  token  of\)ur  respect  and  esteem  and  of  our  gratitude  for  your 
faithfulness  on  the  field  and  in  the  hospital." 

While  Mrs.  B.  find  I  were  speculating  with  regard  to  the  contents 
of  the  box,  Jack's  woolly  head  reappeared  in  the  doorway,  and  the 
subject  of  our  curiosity  was  before  us.  "  Dah  it  be,  and  mity  heavy, 
too.  Guess  it  mus'  be  from ."  So  saying,  young  hopeful  dis- 
appeared. 

The  box  was  soon  opened,  its  contents  examined  and  commented 
upon.  First  came  a  beautiful  silk  and  rubber  reversible  cloak, 
which  could  be  folded  into  such  a  small  compass  that  it  could  be 
put  into  an  ordinary  sized  pocket,  and  a  pair  of  rubber  boots.  Then 
came  a  silver-mounted  revolver,  belt  and  miniature  cartridge-box. 
But  the  greatest  piece  of  perfection  I  ever  saw  came  in  the  shape  of 
a  "  housewife.  "  It  was  lined  and  covered  with  oil  silk,  and  my, 
name  printed  on  it  in  gilt  letters,  above  which  was  an  eagle,  and 
below  was  the  following  inscription :  "A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy 
side,  and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand  ;  but  it  shall  not  come  nigh 
thee."  Then  came  pocket-handkerchiefs,  gloves,  and  other  articles 
too  numerous  to  mention. 

Last,  not  least,  was  found  in  fche  bottom,  stowed  away  in  one  cor- 
ner, two  bottles  of  the  best  currant  win^a  nice  jar  of  jelly,  and  a^ 
large  loaf  of  cake,  frosted  and  mottoedi^Bie  style.  This  cake  was 
certainly  a  great  curiosity.  It  was^^^^^^tory  cake,  with  three 
doors  made  to  slide  back  by  gently^^^^^Hbell-handle  which  was 
made  of  rosettes  of  red,  white  andj 

To  the  first  bell-cord  was  att^^^^^^^^^HL  gold  ring,  to  the 
second  a  ten  dollar  gold  piece,  ^^^^^^^^^^nnd  last  a  small- 
sized  hunter-cased  gold  watch  ^^^^^^^^^^^V.  revelations  I 
began  to  feel  as  if  my  humble  t^^^^^^^^^^^Bj^nted  palace, 
and  that  all  I  should  have  to  d^^^^^^^^^^^^AkLrub  that 


'^^i'^m-i 


■^^ 


t,-^.r^ 


w^v;.w: 


•^•■*^ 


■;V%/v'\;>-,:^,*:*^:i 


'':^, 


SV'f 


&!■■ 


M': 


'M. 


^s%fn 


mmi 


'It'iM^?!^^ 


IIt^^'Ij^W'^*^' 


^■y^'^^;^| 


'"^i^ 


W.  ^'■■ 


*f».:^  ■,;■{!?: 


j.::^-:/.?i. 


.^^« 


vt.r. 


■■^,<: 


."*  :>A:i3xy. 


';^v;a.. 


=-  -'i^- 


VA 


-'  *';■:  'iwil 


^'l^'-.-i  fS 


vA>;*- 


7M:^^-.^"Mv;^; 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIEE.         35 

*'Tben  there  is  another  class  of  mules  which  always  have  a  jolly, 
cheer-up  look  about  them.  They  take  everything  good  naturedly, 
from  cudgelling  to  caressing,  and  march  along  with  a  roguish  twinkle 
in  their  eye  which  is  very  interesting." 

One  morning,  as  I  was  just  recovering  from  fever  and  ague,  Jack, 
our  faithful  colored  boy,  made  his  appearance  at  the  door  of  my  tent, 
touching  his  hat  in  the  most  approved  military  style,  and  handed 
me  a  letter  bearing  my  address,  saying,  as  he  did  so :  "  Dahs  a  box 
at  de  'spress  office  for  you.  May  I  run  and  fotch  it?  "  I  said,  "  Oh, 
yes.  Jack,  you  may  bring  it,  but  be  careful  and  keep  the  cover  on  ; 
there  may  be  chickens  in  it." 

In  the  meantime  I  opened  my  letter,  from  which  I  make  the  fol- 
lowing  extract :  "  Having  learned  your  address  through  Mrs.  L  , 
whose  son  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Bull  Hun,  we  send  you  a  dona- 
tion in  token  of  our  respect  and  esteem  and  of  our  gratitude  for  your 
faithfulness  on  the  field  and  in  the  hospital." 

AVhile  Mrs.  B.  and  I  were  speculating  with  regard  to  the  contents 
of  the  box,  Jack 's  woolly  head  reappeared  in  the  doorway,  and  the 
subject  of  our  curiosity  was  before  us.  "  Dah  it  be,  and  raity  heavy, 
too.  Guess  it  mus'  be  from ."  So  saying,  young  hopeful  dis- 
appeared. 

The  box  was  soon  opened,  its  contents  examined  and  commented 
upon.  First  came  a  beautiful  silk  and  rubber  reversible  cloak, 
which  could  be  folded  into  such  a  small  compass  that  it  could  be 
put  into  an  ordinary  sized  pocket,  and  a  pair  of  rubber  boots.  Then 
came  a  silver-mounted  revolver,  belt  and  miniature  cartridge-box. 
But  the  greatest  piece  of  perfection  I  ever  saw  came  in  the  shape  of 
a  "  housewife."'  It  was  lined  and  covered  with  oil  silk,  and  my 
name  printed  on  it  iti  gilt  letters,  above  which  was  an  eagle,  and 
below  was  the  following  inscription:  "A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy 
side,  and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand ;  but  it  shall  not  come  nigh 
thee."  Then  came  ])ocket-haudkerchief£,  gloves,  and  other  articles 
too  numerous  to  mention. 

Last,  not  least,  was  found  in  the  bottom,  stowed  away  in  one  cor- 
ner, two  bottles  of  the  best  currant  wine,  a  nice  jar  of  jelly,  and  a 
large  loaf  of  cake,  frosted  and  mottoed  in  fine  style.  This  cake  was 
certainly  a  great  curiosity.  It  was  a  three-story  cake,  with  three 
doors  made  to  slide  back  by  gently  pulling  a  bell-handle  which  was 
made  of  rosettes  of  red,  white  and  blue  ribbon. 

To  the  first  bell-cord  was  attached  a  splendid  gold  ring,  to  the 
second  a  ten  dollar  gold  piece,  and  to  the  third  and  last  a  small- 
sized  hunter-cased  gold  watch  and  chain.  At  such  revelations  I 
began  to  feel  as  if  my  humble  tent  had  become  an  enchanted  palace, 
and  that  all  I  should  have  to  do  in  the  future  would  be  to  rub  that 


36 


NURSE   AND   SPY. 


mysterious  ring,  and  the  genii  would  appear,  ready  to  supply  all  my 
■wants. 

"We  commenced  to  divide  the  spoils,  Mrs.  B.  positively  asserting 
that  she  had  no  right  to  any  part  of  the  donation,  and  I  telling  her 
that  in  all  probability  it  was  all  intended  for  her,  and  through  one 
of  those  "  slight  mistakes  "  it  was  directed  to  me. 

The  news  of  this  wonderful  box  soon  spread  through  camp,  and 
the  result  was  that  we  had  a  surprise  party  as  soon  as  evening  came. 
Chaplain  B.  taking  the  opportunity  of  making  some  very  appropri- 
ate remarks  on  the  occasion.  Then  came  the  band  to  serenade  us, 
and  the  consequence  was  that  our  cake  aud  wine  disappeared  with 
our  numerous  friends,  for  we  found  that  all  were  willing  to  obey  the 
scriptural  injunction,  "Take  a  little  wine,"  etc. 

Chaplain  B.  is  a  very  worthy,  zealous,  faithful  minister,  and  I 
have  spoken  very  highly  of  him,  but  perhaps  in  doing  so  I  have 
given  the  impression  that  all  Chaplains  are  good  and  faithful.  I 
am  very  sorry  to  state  that  it  is  not  so.  There  ars  some  who  have 
no  fitness  for  their  work,  and  some  a  disgrace  to  their  profession.  I 
think  I  am  safe  in  saying  that  one  bad  Chaplain  will  do  more  harm 
in  a  regiment  than  a  hundred  good  men  can  counteract 

If  there  is  any  place  on  earth  where  fuithful  ministers  are  needed 
more  than  another,  it  is  in  the  army — it  is  in  the  hospital.  But 
may  God  have  mercy  upon  those  who  go  there  whose  object  is  dollars 
and  cents,  who  neglect  their  duty  and  fill  the  places  which  should 
be  occupied  by  Christ-like  heralds  of  the  cross  who  love  the  souls  of 
their  fellow  men.  I  think  the  words  of  the  Savior  are  particularly 
applicable  to  some  of  the  Chaplains  of  the  army  when  He  says: 
"  Woe  unto  you  hypocrites !  for  ye  shut  up  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
against  men,''  etc. 

I  conversed  with  many  in  the  army  upon  the  subject  of  religion, 
who  told  me  that  the  conduct  of  certain  Chaplains  had  more  in- . 
fluence  in  keeping  them  away  fram  the  Savior  than  all  the  com- 
bined forces  of  the  evil  one.     Such  Chaplains  are  there  through 
political  influence,  regardless  of  qualifications. 

Some  persons  tried  very^wd  to  get  up  the  general  belief  that  the 


army  was  terribly  demoij 
there  must  inevitably 
never  propagated, 
where  is  there  a 
is  not  to  be  found, 
influence  daily 

Although 
and  other  evi] 
lovely 


in  its  best  estate,  and  all  who  go 

to  vice,  but  a  greater  slander  was 

oubtedly  vice  in  _the  army,  but 

hroughout  the  North  where  vice 

he  tide  of  moral  and  religious 

tit? 

ugh,  and  much  drunkenness  ^ 
there  is  much  that  is  pure, 
ter  of  both  officers  and  m6a.  *' 


ADYENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         37 

•*I  can  speak  of  that  I  do  know,  and  testify  of  that  which  I  have 
seen,"  and  I  am  free  to  say  that  I  think  the  morals  of  the  majority 
of  the  men  were  quite  as  good  if  not  better  than  you  would  find 
among  the  same  number  at  home,  made  up  of  all  classes  as  ^ve  find 
them  in  the  army. 


CHAPTER   VI.  ' 

The  March  to  Yorktown — Camp  Cookery — Arrival  of  Trains — Assaults  oa 
Our  Outposts— Yorktown  and  Vicinity — A  Strange  Hostess — A  Conver- 
sion— A  Great  Grief. 

On  to  Richmond  once  more  resounded  through  the  camp,  and  the 
army  was  again  in  motion.  The  Yorktown  road  is  one  long  to  be 
remembered,  especially  by  those  who  that  day  had  to  toil  through 
its  mud  and  mire,  or,  by  making  a  mis-step,  fall  into  one  of  the 
yawning  chasms  from  which  some  unfortunate  mule  had  been  drawn. 
The  rain  had  continued  almost  all  the  time  we  were  encamped  at 
Hampton,  "  saturating  the  clayey  soil,  which  soon  became  a  vast  bed 
of  mortar  under  the  artillery  trains." 

The  distance  from  Hampton  to  Yorktown  is  about  23  miles,  and 
it  required  all  the  determination  and  energy  of  veterans  to  march 
half  that  distance  in  a  day.  With  two  days'  rations  in  their  haver- 
sacks the  men  marched  until  they  arrived  in  front  of  Yorktown, 
where  they  bivouacked  on  the  ground,  over  which  the  water  was 
running  like  a  flood. 

We  remained  three  days  in  that  condition,  and  it  was  the  first 
time  I  ever  saw  anything  like  scarcity  of  food  in  the  army. 

It  was  scarce,  indeed,  for  we  were  only  supplied  with  two  days' 
rations  on  starting  from  Hampton.  The  fifth  day  had  arrived,  but 
no  provisions  had  yet  appeared,  and  it  seemed  morally  impossible 
to  get  a  supply  train  over  the  road. 

Mile  after  mile  of  corduroy  bridge  had  to  be  made  before  a  team 
dart  venture  to  approach.  Our  horses,  too,  were  as  badly  off  for 
forage  as  the  men  were  for  provisions.  On  the  fifth  day,  with  sev- 
eral others,  I  received  permission  to  go  out  and  buy  what  we  could 
at  the  houses  anywhere  within  three  miles  of  our  encampment. 

After  procuring  a  quantity  of  buscuit,  pies  and  cornbread  we  re- 
turned to  camp,  and  were  quite  surprised  to  find  the  boys  engaged 
in  cutting  up  and  cooking  fresh  steak.  We  thought,  of  course,  our 
provisions  bad  arrived,  but  found  that  it  was  only  a  little  dash  they 


36  NURSE   AND   SPY. 

mysterious  ring,  and  the  genii  would  appear,  ready  to  supply  all  my 
■wants. 

"We  commenced  to  divide  the  spoils,  Mrs.  B.  positively  asserting 
that  she  had  no  right  to  any  part  of  the  donation,  and  I  telling  her 
that  in  all  probability  it  was  all  intended  for  her,  and  through  one 
of  those  "slight  mistakes"  it  was  directed  to  me. 

The  news  of  this  wonderful  box  soon  spread  through  camp,  and 
the  result  was  thpt  we  had  a  surprise  party  as  soon  as  evening  came. 
Chaplain  B.  taking  the  opportunity  of  making  some  very  appropri- 
ate remarks  on  the  occasion.  Then  came  the  band  to  serenade  us, 
and  the  consequence  was  that  our  cake  and  wine  disappeared  with 
our  numerous  friends,  for  we  found  that  all  were  willing  to  obey  the 
scriptural  injunction,  "Take  a  little  wine,"  etc. 

Chaplain  B.  is  a  very  worthy,  zealous,  faithful  minister,  and  I 
have  spoken  very  highly  of  him,  but  perhaps  in  doing  so  I  have 
given  the  impression  that  all  Chaplains  are  good  and  faithful.  I 
am  very  sorry  to  state  that  it  is  not  so.  There  are  some  who  have 
no  fitness  for  their  work,  and  some  a  disgrace  to  their  profession.  I 
think  I  am  safe  in  saying  that  one  bad  Chaplain  will  do  more  harm 
in  a  regiment  than  a  hundred  good  men  can  counteract. 

If  there  is  any  place  on  earth  where  fuithful  ministers  are  needed 
more  than  another,  it  is  in  the  army — it  is  in  the  hospital.  But 
may  God  have  mercy  upon  those  who  go  there  whose  object  is  dollars 
and  cents,  who  neglect  their  duty  and  fill  the  places  which  should 
be  occupied  by  Christ-like  heralds  of  the  cross  who  love  the  souls  of 
their  fellow  men.  I  think  the  words  of  the  Savior  are  particularly 
applicable  to  some  of  the  Cbaplaius  of  the  army  when  He  says: 
"  Woe  unto  you  hypocrites!  for  ye  shut  up  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
against  men,''  etc. 

I  conversed  with  many  in  the  army  upon  the  subject  of  religion, 
wlio  told  me  that  the  conduct  of  certain  Chaplains  had  more  in- 
fluence in  keeping  them  away  frara  the  Savior  than  all  the  com- 
bined forces  of  the  evil  one.  Such  Chaplains  are  there  through 
political  influence,  regardless  of  qualifications. 

Some  persons  tried  very  hard  to  get  up  the  general  belief  that  the 
army  was  terribly  demoralized  in  its  best  estate,  and  all  who  go 
there  must  inevitably  plunge  into  vice,  but  a  greater  slander  was 
never  propagated.  There  was  undoubtedly  vice  in  the  army,  but 
where  is  there  a  city  or  community  throughout  the  North  where  vice 
is  not  to  be  found,  notwithstanding  the  tide  of  moral  and  religious 
influence  daily  brought  to  bear  against  it  ? 

Although  the  outer  man  appears  rough,  and  much  drunkenness 
and  other  evils  exist  in  the  army,  yet  there  is  much  that  is  pure, 
lovely  and  of  good  report  in  the  character  of  both  officers  and  men. 


ADYENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         37 

**I  can  speak  of  that  I  do  know,  and  testify  of  that  which  I  have 
seen,*'  and  I  am  free  to  say  that  I  think  the  morals  of  the  majority 
of  the  men  were  quite  as  good  if  not  better  than  you  would  find 
among  the  same  number  at  home,  made  up  of  all  classes  as  we  find 
them  in  the  army. ; 


CHAPTER    VI. 

The  March  to  Yorktown— Camp  Cookery— Arrival  of  Traias— Assaults  oa 
Onr  Oatposts— Yorktown  and  Viciuitj^ — A  Strange  Hostess — A  Conver- 
sion— A  Great  Grief. 

On  to  Richmond  once  more  resounded  through  the  camp,  and  the 
army  was  again  in  motion.  The  Yorktown  road  is  one  long  to  be 
remembered,  especially  by  those  who  that  day  had  to  toil  through 
its  mud  and  mire,  or,  by  making  a  mis-step,  fall  into  one  of  the 
yawning  chasms  from  which  some  unfortunate  mule  had  been  drawn. 
The  rain  had  continued  almost  all  the  time  we  were  encamped  at 
Hampton,  "  saturating  the  clayey  soil,  which  soon  became  a  vast  bed 
of  mortar  under  the  artillery  trains." 

The  distance  from  Hampton  to  Yorktown  is  about  23  miles,  and 
it  required  all  the  determination  and  energy  of  veterans  to  march 
half  that  distance  in  a  day.  With  two  days'  rations  in  their  haver- 
sacks the  men  marched  until  they  arrived  in  front  of  Yorktown, 
where  they  bivouacked  on  the  ground,  over  which  the  water  was 
running  like  a  flood. 
.  We  remained  three  days  in  that  condition,  and  it  was  the  first 
time  I  ever  saw  anything  like  scarcity  of  food  in  the  army. 

It  was  scarce,  indeed,  for  we  were  only  supplied  with  two  days' 
rations  on  starting  from  Hampton.  The  fifth  day  had  arrived,  but 
no  provisions  had  yet  appeared,  and  it  seemed  morally  impossible 
to  get  a  supply  train  over  the  road. 

Mile  after  mile  of  corduroy  bridge  had  to  be  made  before  a  team 
dare  venture  to  approach.  Our  horses,  too,  were  as  badly  off  for 
forage  as  the  men  were  for  provisions.  On  the  fifth  day,  with  sev- 
eral others,  I  received  permission  to  go  out  and  buy  what  we  could 
at  the  houses  anywhere  within  three  miles  of  our  encampment. 

After  procuring  a  quantity  of  buscuit,  pies  and  corubread  we  re- 
turned to  camp,  and  were  quite  surprised  to  find  the  boys  engaged 
in  cutting  up  and  cooking  fresh  steak.  We  thought,  of  course,  our 
provisions  had  arrived,  but  found  that  it  was  only  a  little  dash  they 


3d 


NURSE   AND    SPY. 


had  just  made  upon  the  "chivalry's"  cattle,  appropriating  them  to 
their  own  use  with  a  sort  of  earnestness  which  seemed  to  say,  I 
firmly  believe  in  the  old  proverb.  Aide  toi,  et  le  del  t'aidem. 

Oh,  what  a  place  the  army  is  for  the  study  of  human  nature !  As 
I  looked  around  upon  that  mass  of  busy  men  I  thought  I  could  dis- 
cover almost  every  trait  in  the  human  character  depicted  upon  their 
countenances.  There  was  the  selfish  man,  only  intent  upon  serving 
himself,  and  fearing  there  would  not  enough  come  to  his  share  to 
satisfy  his  wants.  . 

There  was  old  churlish  Nabal  away  by  himself  building  a  fire  for 
his  own  especial  benefit,  and  which  "  no  man  dare  approach  unto,'' 
no,  not  within  baking,  broiling  or  roasting  distance,  not  even  to  get 
a  coal  to  kindle  one  lor  himself.  But  that  class,  thank  heaven,  was 
a  very  small  minority. 

There,  too,  was  the  cheerful,  happy  man,  who  had  been  several 
hours  engaged  in  cutting  up  and  serving  out  to  others,  and  had  no 
lot  or  part  in  the  broiled  steaks  which  were  smoking  around  him, 
yet  he  looked  as  good  natured  as  if  he  had  dined  on  roast  beef  and 
plum  pudding.  There  was  another  character — one  who  always 
made  it  the  first  duty,  under  all  circumstances,  to  look  after  those 
who  were  not  able  to  look  after  themselves. 

While  the  little  trials  of  camp  life  have  a  tendency  to  harden  and 
sour  the  dispositionsof  some,  they  seem  to  bring  to  light  and  develop 
the  cheerful,  happy,  unselfish  spirit  of  others. 

The  despondency  of  the  few  was  soon  removed  and  the  patience 
and  cheerfulness  of  the  many  rewarded  by  the  arrival  of  the  pro- 
vision and  baggage  trains.  We  exchanged  our  camp  for  one  in  a 
more  pleasant  locality,  where  there  was  more  wood  and  not  quite  so 
much  water,  which  added  much  to  the  comfort  of  the  troops. 

The  enemy  soon  found  out  our  position  and  did  not  fail  to  inform 
us  of  the  fact  by  frequently  saluting  us  with  an  immense  shell, 
which  would  burst  over  our  heads  or  fall  within  a  few  rods — often 
within  a  few  feet — of  our  tents. 

We  remained  in  camp  just  one  month,  and,  notwithstanding  the 
^nemy  shelled  us  night  and  day,  I  never  saw  a  man  or  beast  injured 
by  shot  or  shell  in  camp  while  we  remained  there. 

I  presume  many  of  my  readers  will  remember  seeing  or  hearing 
of  the  old  saw-mill  which  stood  near  a  peach  orchard,  and  which  the 
soldiers  persisted  in  running,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  the  rebels. 
That  old  saw-mill  deserves  to  be  immortalized  in  song  as  well  as  in 
history  ;>  and  if  it  stood  in  any  other  than  a  ChristiaU  land,  it  would 
undoubtedly  become  an  object  of  idolatry. 

There  it  stood,  within  perfect  range  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  a 
target  at  which  they  never  seemed  tired  of  firing,  while  our  brave 
soldiers  risked  their  lives  in  sawing  lumber  for  the  purpose  of  laying 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.  S9 

board  floors  in  the  hospital  tents,  to  secure  some  degree  of  comfort 
for  their  poor  sick  comrades. 

Time  after  time  was  the  mill  set  on  fire  b}'  the  explosion  of  shell, 
as  they  passed  through  it,  but  up  would  go  some  brave  young  hero, 
and  stand  in  the  very  jaws  of  deatli,  while  his  companions  would 
hand  him  bucket  after  bucket  of  water  to  quench  the  flames. 

As  soon  as  the  fire  was  extinguished,  the  men  resumed  their  labor, 
and  the  old  mill  steamed  away  with  all  its  might,  as  if  proud  of  the 
"Stars and  Stripes  "  which  waved  from  its  summit,  and  of  being  per- 
mitted to  show  its  patriotism  and  zeal  for  the  glorious  cause  of  i'ree- 
dora  by  working  for  good  old  "  Uncle  Sam "  and  his  noble  sons. 

Then  it  would  give  vent  to  its  pent-up  wrath  in  hisses  and  shrieks, 
bidding  proud  defiance  to  Jeff.  Davis  and  his  minions,  who  were  try- 
ing in  vain  to  stop  its  humane  and  patriotic  eflbrts. 

For  more  than  three  weeks  those  brave  men  kept  the  steam  up  in 
that  mill,  until  their  object  was  accomplished,  having  to  stop  almost 
every  half  hour  to  repair  the  ravages  of  shot  and  shell.  Notwith- 
standing the  constant  fire  of  the  rebel  batteries,  the  dilapidated  ap- 
pearance of  the  mill  from  its  effects,  and  the  danger  of  the  situation, 
yet  not  a  man  was  killed  in  or  about  it,  and  not  one  wounded,  to  my 
knowledge. 

I  remember  one  day  passsing  the  mill  in  a  great  hurry,  and  it 
was  well  that  I  was  in  a  hurry,  for  I  had  scarcely  rode  by  it  when 
I  heard  a  terrific  crash  close  at  hand,  which  made  my  horse  leap  from 
the  ground  with  terror.  Upon  turning  round  I  saw  that  part  of  the 
smokestack  had  been  carriad  away,  and  the  mill  was  on  fire.  I  rode 
up  to  the  door  and  inquired  if  any  one  was  killed  or  injured;  no, 
not  a  man  was  hurt,  and  the  fire  was  soon  subdued  by  the  vigorous 
eflbrts  of  those  sturdy  soldiers,  who  looked  as  jolly  over  the  disaster 
as  |if  it  had  really  been  a  good  joke. 

The  rebels  were  beginning  to  make  some  desperate  assaults  upon 
our  outposts ;  they  were  driving  in  the  advance  pickets  on  our  left 
wing,  and  making  similar  demonstrations  along  different  parts  of 
the  line.  They  were  evidently  concentrating  a  large  force  behind 
their  fortifications,  and  were  determined  to  mjike  a  desperate  resist- 
ance. Deserters  came  in  bringing  Richmond  papers  crowded  with 
appeals  to  the  Southern  "chivalry,"  of  which  the  following  is  a 
specimen : 

"The  next  few  days  may  decide  the  fate  of  Richmond.  It  is 
either  to  remain  the  Capital  of  the  Confederacy,  or  lo  be  turned 
over  to  the  Federal  Government  as  a  Yankee  conquest.  The  Capi- 
tal ia  either  ta  be  secured  or  lost> — it  njay  be  feared  not  temporarily, 
and  with  it  Virginia.  Thenj  if  there  is  blood  to  be  shed,  let  it  be 
shed  here;  no  soil  of  the  Confederacy  could  drink  it  up  more  ac- 
ceptably, and  none  would  bold  it  more  grateful!}'.     Wife,  family 


40  NURSE    AND    SPY.  1 

and  friends  are  nothing.  Leave  them  all  for  one  glorious  hour  to  be 
devoted  to  the  Republic.  Life,  death  and  wounds  are  nothing  if  we 
only  be  saved  from  the  fate  of  a  captured  and  humiliated  Confeder- 
acy. Let  the  Government  act ;  let  the  people  act.  There  is  time 
yet.  If  fate  comes  to  its  worst,  let  the  ruins  of  Richmond  be  its 
raost  lasting  monument." 

Gen.  McClellan's  dispatch  to  the  War  Department  will  best  de- 
scribe the  state  of  affairs  at  this  time  in  Yorktown  and  vicinitv.  He 
says : 

"The  whole  line  of  the  Warwick,  which  really  heads  within  a  mile 
of  Yorktown,  is  strongly  defended  by  detached  redoubts  and  other 
fortifications,  armed  with  heavy  and  light  guns.  The  approaches, 
except  at  Yorktown,  are  covered  by  the  Warwick,  over  which  there 
is  but  one,  or  at  raost,  two  passages,  both  of  which,  are  covered  by 
strong  batteries.  All  the  prisoners  state  that  Gen.  J.  E.  Johnston  ar- 
rived at  Yorktown  yesterday,  with  strong  reinforcements.  It  seems 
clear  that  I  shall  have  the  whole  force  of  the  enemy  on  my  hands, 
probably  not  less  than  100,000  men,  and  possibly  more. 

"  Under  the  circumstances  which  have  been  developed  since  we 
arrived  here,  I  feel  fully  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  here  is 
to  be  fought  the  great  battle  that  is  to  decide  the  existing  contest.  I 
shall,  of  course,  commence  the  attack  as  soon  as  I  can  get  up  my  siege 
train,  and  shall  do  all  in  my  power  to  carry  the  enemy's  works ;  but  to 
do  this  with  a  reasonable  degree  of  certainty  requires,  in  my  judgment, 
that  I  should,  if  possible,  have  at  lea^  the  whole  of  the  First  Corps 
to  land  upon  the  Severn  River  and  attack  Gloucester  in  the  rear. 
My  present  strength  will  not  admit  of  a  detachment  sufficient  for 
this  purpose  without  materially  impairing  the  efficiency  of  this  col- 
umn." 

While  these  preparations  were  going  forward  on  both  sides.  Pro- 
fessor Lowe  was  making  balloon  reconnoissances  and  transmitting 
the  result  of  his  observations  to  Gen.  McClellan  by  telegraph  from 
his  castle  in  the  air,  which  seemed  suspended  from  the  clouds,  re- 
minding one  of  the  fabled  gods  of  old  looking  down  from  their 
ethereal  abodes  upon  ihe  conflicts  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  mundane 
sphere.  One  of  the  officers  one  day  playfully  remarked:  "Profes- 
sor, I  am  always  sorry  wlien  I  see  you  descend  "with  your  balloon." 
"  Why  are  you  sorry.  Colonel  ?  Would  you  wish  to  see  me  sus- 
pended between  Heaven  and  earth  all  the  time?"  "Oh,  no,  not 
that ;  but  when  I  see  you  coming  down,  I  am  afraid  you  will  never 
get  so  near  Heaven  again." 

I  was  often  sent  out  to  procure  supplies  for  tile  hospitals,  butter,  eggs, 
milk,  chickens,  etc.,  and  in  my  rambles  I  used  to  meet  with  many 
interesting  adventures.  In  some  instances  I  met  with  narrow  es- 
capes with  my  life,  which   were  not  quite  so  interesting ;    and  the 


AiV: 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOSIAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER         41 

tirrijely  appearance  of  ray  revolver  often  rescued  nie  from  the  hands 
of  the  female  rebels' of  the  Peninsula.  Persons  dwelling  in  regions 
in  which  slavery  has  not  debased  can  hardly  imagine  the  malice  and 
ferocity  manifested  by  the  rebel  vixens  of  the  slave  states.  Upon 
this  point  the  testimony  from  all  parts  of  the  South  is  invariable. 
The  Louisville  Journal  says : 

"Thousands  have  read  with  astonishment  the  account  which  his- 
torians give  of  the  conduct  of  women  in  Paris  during  the  Reign  of 
Terror.  The  women  are  said  to  have  been  more  fierce  and  blood- 
thirsty than  even  the  fiercest  and  most  bloodthirsty  of  the  mem 
Many  of  our  people  have  supposed  that  the  accounts  given  of  those 
things  must  surely  be  fictions  or  exaggerations.  They  have  felt 
themselves  unable  to  conceive  that  woman's  nature  could  become  a 
thing  so  utterly  revolting.  But  if  they  will  look  and  listen  in  this 
region,  at  the  present  time,  they  will  find  that  they  have  no  further 
reason  for  incredulity  or  skepticism.  The  bitter  and  ferocious  spirit 
of  thousands  of  rebel  women  in  Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  other 
States  is  scarcely,  if  at  all,  surpassed  by  the  female  monsters  that 
shrieked  and  howled  for  victims  in  the  French  Revolution." 

I  will  here  relate  a  little  incident  illustrative  of  the  peculiarity  of 
my  adventures  while  on  this  catering  business:  One  morning  I- 
started,  all  alone,  for  a  five  mile  ride  to  an  isolated  farmhouse  about 
three  miles  back  from  the  Hampton  road,  and  which  report  said 
was  well  supplied  with  all  the  articles  of  which  I  was  in  search. 
I  cantered  along  briskly  until  I  came  to  a  gate  which  opened  into 
a  lane  leading  directly  to  the  house.  It  was  a  large,  old-fashioned 
two-story  house^  with  immense  chimneys  built  outside,  Virginia 
style.  The  farm  appeared  to  be  in  good  condition,  fences  all  up,  a 
rare  thing  on  the  Peninsula,  and  cornfields  flourishing  as  if  there 
were  no  such  thing  as  war  in  the  land.  -p-; 

I  rode  up  to  the  house  and  dismounted,  hitched  my  horse  to  a 
post  at  the  door,  and  proceeded  to  ring  the  bell.  A  tall,  stately 
lady  made  lier  appearance,  and  invited  me  inWith  piuch  apparent . 
courtesy.  She  was  dressed  in  deep  mourning,  which  was  very  be- 
coming to  her  pale,  sad  face.  She  seemed  to  be  about  30  years  of 
age,  very  prepossessing  in  appearance,  and  evidently  belonged  to 
one  of  the  **F.  F.  Vs."     As  soon  as  I  was  seated  she  inquired : 

"To  what  fortunate  circumstance  am  I  to  attribute  the  pleasure 
of  this  unexpected  call  ?  " 

I  told  her  in  a  few  words  the  nature  of  my  business.  The  intelli- 
gence seemed  to  cast  a  deep  shadow  over  her  pale  features,  which 
all  her  efforts  could  not  control.  She  seemed  nervous  and  excited, 
and  something  in  her  appearance  aroused  my  suspicion,  notwith- 
standing her  blandness  of  manner  and  ladylike  deportment. 

She  invited  me  into  another  room^  while  she  prepared  the  articles 


!  }^<mr.'Ji'-:.'ij'''  *-j^:  '■-.,.,.*. ^2Bi!:!.^rii^^J'-.'-?»r .r  ■ 


43  NUESE    AND    SPY. 

which  she  proposed  to  let  me  have,  but  I  declined,  giving  as  an  ex- 
cuse that  I  preferred'  to  sit  where  I  could  see  whether  my  horse  re- 
mained quiet.  I  watched  all  her  movements  narrowly,  not  daring 
to  turn  my  eyes  aside  for  a  single  moment.  She  walked  round  in 
her  stately  way  for  some  time,  without  accomplishing  much  in  the 
way  of  facilitating  my  departure,  and  she  was  evidently  trying  to 
detain  mo  for  some  purpose  or  other.  Could  it  be  that  she  was 
meditating  tlie  best  mode  of  attack,  or  was  she  expecting  some  one 
to  come,  and  trying  to  detain  me  until  their  arrival  ?  Thoughts  like 
these  passed  through  my  mind  in  quick  succession. 

At  last  I  rose  up  abruptly,  and  asked  her  if  the  things  were  ready. 
She  answered  me  with  an  assumed  smile  of  surprise,  and  said : 

"Oh,  I  did  not  know  that  you  were  in  a  hurry.  I  was  waiting 
for  the  boys  to  come  and  catch  some  chickens  for  you." 

"  And  pray,  madam,  where  are  the  boys?  "  I  asked.      ,  ■ 

"Oh,  not  far  from  here,"  was  her  reply. 

"  Well,  I  have  decided  not  to  wait;  you  will  please  not  detain 
me  longer,"  said  I,  as  I  moved  toward  the  door.  She  began,  to 
pack  some  butter  and  eggs  both  together  in  a  small  basket  which  I 
bad  brought  with, me,  while  another  stood  beside  her  without  any- 
thing in  it,  I  looked,  at  her.  She  was  trembling  violently,  and 
was  as  pale  as  death.  In  a  moment  more  she  banded  me  the  basket, 
and  I  held  out  a  greenback  for  her  acceptance. 

"  Oh,  it  was  no  consequence  about  the  pay."  She  did  not  wish 
anything  for  it.     So  I  thanked  her  and  went  out. 

In  a  few  moments  she  came  to  the  door,  but  did  not  ofifer  to  as- 
sist me,  or  to  hold  the  basket,  or  anything,  but  stood  looking  at  me 
most  maliciously,  I  thought.  I  placed  the  basket  on  the  top  of  the 
post  to  which  my  horse  had  been  hitched,  took  my  seat  in  the  sad- 
dle, and  then  rode  up  and  took  my  basket  Turning  to  her  I  bade 
her  good  morning,  and  thanking  her  again  for  her  kindness^  I  turned 
to  ride  away. 

I  had  scarcely,  gone  a  rod  when  she  discharged  a  pistol  at  me. 
By  some  intuitive  movement  I  threw  myself  forward  on  my  horse's 
neck,  and  the  ball  passed  over  my  head.  I  turned  ray  horse  in  a 
twinkling,  and  grasped  myi  revolver.  She  was  in  the  act  of -firing 
the  second  time,  but  was  so  excited  that  the  bullet  went  ^ide  of  its 
mark.  I  held  my  seven-shooter  in  ray  hand,  considering  where  to 
aim.  I  did  not  wish  to  kill  the  wretch,  but  did  intend  to  wound 
lier. 

When  she  saw  that  two  could  play  at  this  game  she  dropped  her 
pistol  and  threw  up  her  hands  imploringly.  I  took  deliberate  aim 
at  one  of  her  hands,  and  sent  the  ball  throup;h  the  palm  of  her  left 
hand.     She  fell  to  the  ground  in  an  instant  with  a  loud  shfiek.     I 


.  \.. 


AT  WORK  IN  THE  CONFEDERATE  TRENCHES  DISGUISED  AS  A 

CONTRABAND. 


r\^.s. 


••::«.'■*> 


r 


ii' 
/^' 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIEE.         45 

dismounted,  and  took  the  pistol  wliicli  lay  beside  her,  and  placing 
it  in  my  belt,  proceeded  to  take  care  of  her  ladyship. 

I  unfastened  the  end  of  my  halter-strap  and  tied  it  painfully 
tight  around  her  right  wrist,  and  remounting  my  horse  I  started, 
and  brought  the  lady  to  consciousness  by  dragging  her  by  the  wrist 
two  or  three  rods  along  the  ground.  I  stopped,  and  she  rose  to  her 
feet,  and  with  wild  entreaties  she  begged  me  to  release  her,  but  in- 
stead of  doing  so  I  presented  a  pistol,  and  told  her  that  if  she  uttered 
another  word  or  scream  she  was  a  dead  woman.  In  that  way  I  suc- 
ceeded in  keeping  her  from  alarming  any  one  who  might  be  within 
calling  distance,  and  so  made  my  way  toward  McCIellan's  Head- 
quarters. 

After  we  had.  gone  in  that  way  about  a  mile  and  a  half  I  told 
her  that  she  might  ride  if  she  wished  to  do  so,  for  I  saw  that  she 
Avas  becoming  weak  from  loss  of  blood.  She  was  glad  to  accept  the 
offer,  and  I  bound  up  her  hand  with  ray  handkerchief,  gave  her 
my  scarf  to  throw  over  her  head,  and  assisted  her  to  the  saddle.  I 
I  marched  along  beside  her,  holding  tight  to  the  bridle  rein  all  the 
1  while. 

When  we  were  about  a  mile  from  McCIellan's  Headquarters  she 
fainted,  and  I  caught  her  as  she  was  falling  from  the  horse.  I  laid 
ler  by  the  roadside  while  I  went  for  some  water,  which  I  brought 
[in  my  hat,  and  after  bathing  her  face  for  some  time  she  recovered. 

For  the  first  time  since  we  started  I  entered  into  conversation 
with  her,  and  found  that  within  the  last  three  weeks  she  had  lost 
her  father,  husband  and  two  brothers  in  the  rebel  army.  They  had 
all  belonged  to  a  company  of  sharpshooters,  and  were  the  first  to 
fall.  She  had  been  almost  insane  since  the  intelligence  reached  her. 
She  said  I  was  the  first  Yankee  that  she  had  seen  since  the  death  of 
her  relatives,  the  evil  one  seemed  to  urge  her  on  to  the  steps  she 
had  taken,  and  if  I  would  not  deliver  her  up  to  the  military  powers, 
she  would  go  with  me  and  take  care  of  the  wounded.  She  even 
proposed  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  seemed  deeply  penitent. 
"If  thy  brother  (or  sister)  sin  against  thee,  and  repent,  forgive  him," 
are  the  words  of  the  Savior.  I  tried  to  follow  their  sacred  teachings 
there  and  then,  and  told  her  that  I  forgave  her  fully  if  she  was 
only  truly  penitent.     Her  answer  was  sobs  and  tears. 

Soon  after  this  conversation  we  started  for  camp,  she  weak  and 
humble,  and  I  strong  and  rejoicing.  None  ever  knew  from  that 
day  to  this  the  secret  of  that  Secesh  woman  becoming  a  nurse.  In- 
stead of  being  taken  to  Gen.  McCIellan's  Headquarters  she  went 
direct  to  the  hospital,  where  Dr.  P.  dressed  her  hand,  which  was 
causing  her  extreme  pain. 

The  good  old  Surgeon  never  could  solve  the  mystery  connected 
\iith  her  hand^  for  we  both  refused  to  answer  any  questions  relating 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         45 

dismounted,  and  took  the  pistol  which  lay  beside  her,  and  placing 
it  in  my  belt,  proceeded  to  take  care  of  her  ladyship. 

I  unfastened  the  end  of  ray  halter-strap  and  tied  it  painfully 
tight  around  her  right  wrist,  and  remounting  my  horse  I  started, 
and  brought  the  lady  to  consciousness  by  dragging  her  by  the  wrist 
two  or  three  rods  along  the  ground.  I  stopped,  and  she  rose  to  her 
feet,  and  with  wild  entreaties  she  begged  me  to  release  her,  but  in- 
stead of  doing  so  I  presented  a  pistol,  and  told  her  that  if  she  uttered 
another  word  or  scream  she  was  a  dead  woman.  In  that  way  I  suc- 
ceeded in  keeping  her  from  alarming  any  one  who  might  be  within 
calling  distance,  and  so  made  my  way  toward  McClellan's  Head- 
quarters. 

After  we  had  gone  in  that  \7ay  about  a  mile  and  a  half  I  told 
her  that  she  might  ride  if  she  wished  to  do  so,  for  I  saw  that  she 
was  becoming  weak  from  loss  of  blood.  She  was  glad  to  accept  the 
offer,  and  I  bound  up  her  hand  with  my  handkerchief,  gave  her 
my  scarf  to  throw  over  her  head,  and  assisted  her  to  the  saddle.  I 
marched  along  beside  her,  holding  tight  to  the  bridle  rein  all  the 
while. 

When  we  were  about  a  mile  from  McClellan's  Headquarters  she 
fainted,  and  I  caup;ht  her  as  she  was  falling  from  the  horse.  I  laid 
her  by  the  roadside  while  I  went  for  some  water,  which  I  brought 
in  my  hat,  and  after  bathing  her  face  for  some  time  she  recovered. 

For  the  first  time  since  we  started  I  entered  into  conversation 
with  her,  and  found  that  within  the  last  three  weeks  she  had  lost 
her  father,  husband  and  two  brothers  in  the  rebel  army.  They  had 
all  belonged  to  a  company  of  sharpshooters,  and  were  the  first  to 
fall.  She  had  been  almost  insane  since  the  intelligence  reached  her. 
She  said  I  was  the  first  Yankee  that  she  had  seen  since  the  death  of 
her  relatives,  the  evil  one  seemed  to  urge  her  on  to  the  steps  she 
had  taken,  and  if  I  would  not  deliver  her  up  to  the  military  powers, 
she  would  go  with  me  and  take  care  of  the  wounded.  She  even 
proposed  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  seemed  deeply  penitent. 
"  If  thy  brother  (or  sister)  sin  against  thee,  and  repent,  forgive  him," 
are  the  words  of  the  Savior.  I  tried  to  follow  th'eir  sacred  teachings 
there  and  then,  and  told  her  that  I  forgave  her  fully  if  she  was 
only  truly  penitent.     Her  answer  was  sobs  and  tears. 

Soon  after  this  conversation  we  started  for  camp,  she  weak  and 
humble,  and  I  strong  and  rejoicing.  None  ever  knew  from  that 
day  to  this  the  secret  of  that  Secesh  woman  becoming  a  nurse.  In- 
stead of  being  taken  to  Gen.  McClellan's  Headquarters  she  went 
direct  to  the  hospital,  where  Dr.  P.  dressed  her  hand,  which  was 
causing  her  extreme  pain. 

The  good  old  Surgeon  never  could  solve  the  mystery  connected 
with  her  hand,  for  we  both  refused  to  answer  any  questions  relating 


n/   ■■}l- ■::'-'    .■  ::.-;j^ 


I 


46  NUBSE    AND    SPY. 

to  the  wouna,  except  tliat  she  was  sliot  by  a  Ya;ikec,  which  placed 
the  Surgeon  under  obligalious  to  take  care  of  the  j»atieiit  until  she 
recovered,  that  is  sav,  as  long  us  it  was  convenient  for  him  to  do  so. 
The  next  day  she  returned  to  her  house  in  an  ambulance,  ac- 
companied by  a  hospital  steward,  and  brought  away  everytliing 
which  could  he  made  use  of  in  the  hospital?,  and  so  took  up  her  abode 
with  us.  She  soon  proved  tlie  genuineness  of  l;er  conversion  to  the 
Federal  faith  by  lier  zeal  for  the  cause  which  she  had  so  recently 
espoused. 


CHAPTER    Yir. 

A  Lost  Friend— Death  of  Lieut.   Jnraos  V.  — His  Bnnal — The  Clravc  by 
Night — My  Vow — A  SoLlier-Cliaplain — Recoj^uitiriij  in  lie  ivcii  — D,)uht.s 
and  Di.ssatisfar'lion — Capture  ol'a  Spy — My  Examinations  at  Ifeadiinarters. 
My  Disguise  as  a  Spy — lam  Metainoiphoseii  into  a  Contrabai:d — Hiidii 
as  a  Cook — Biscnit  jSIakiiig— The  Doctor's  Tea. 

Returning  one  day  from  an  excursion.  I  found  the  camp  aim  s 
aeserted  and  an  unusual  silence  pervading  all  around.  Upoii  look 
ing  to  the  right  and  left  to  discover  the  cause  of  so  much  qu'eincsp, 
I  saw  a  procession  of  soldiers  slowly  winding  their  way  from  a  peach 
orchard,  where  tliey  had  just  dep-osited  the  remains  of  a  comrade. 
Who  could  it  have  been?  I  did  not  dare  to  go  and  meet  them  to 
inquire,  but  I  waited  in  painful  suspense  until  the  procession  came 
up,  with  arms  reversed.  With  satl  i'aces  and  slow  and  measiired 
tread  they  returned  in  order  as  they  had  gone.  I  stepped  furwad 
and  inquired  whom  they  had  buried.  "Lieut.  James  V.,  "  was  the 
reply. 

My  friend!  They  had  buried  him,  and  I  had  not  seen  him!  I 
went  to  my  tent  without  uttering. a  word.  I  felt  as  if  it  could  not 
be  possible  that  what  I  heard  was  true.  It  must  have  been  some 
one  else.  I  did  not  inquire  how,  when,  or  wliere  he  had  been  killed. 
but  there  I  sat  with  tearless  eyes.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B,  came  in,  she 
sobbing  aloud,  he  calm  and  dignified,  but  with  tears  slowly  roiling 
down  his  face. 

Lieut.  V.  was  32  years  of  age.  He  was  tall,  had  black,  wavy 
hair,  and  large,  black  eyes.  He  was  a  sincere  Chri.«t-an,  active  in 
all  the  duties  devolving  upon  a  Christian  soldier,  and  was  greatjy 
beloved  both  by  ofiicers  and  men.  His  loss  was  deeply  felt.  His 
heart,  though  brave,  wa^  tender  as  u  woman's.  He  wm  noble  and 
generous,  and  had  the  highest  regard  for  truth  and  law.  Although 
gentle  and  kind  to  all,  yet  he  had  an  indomi'.ablc  spirit  and  a  pecu- 


-( :>■' 


"rjf;l„- 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER. 


47 


liar  courage  and  daring,  which  almost  amounted  to  recklessness  in 
time  of  danger.  He  was  not  an  American,  but  was  born  of  English 
parents,  and  was  a  native  of  St.  John,  New  Brunswick.  I  had 
known  him  almost  from  childhood,  and  found  him  always  a  faithful 
friend. 

When  we  met  in  the  array  we  meb  as  strangers.  The  changes 
which  five  years  had  wrought,  and  the  costume  which  I  wore,  together 
with  change  of  name,  rendered  it  impossible  for  him  to  recognize 
me.  I  was  glad  that  he  did  not,  and  took  peculiar  pleasure  in  re- 
maining unrecognized.  We  became  acquainted  again,  and  a  new 
friendship  sprang  up,  on  his  part,  for  mine  was  not  new,  which  was 
very  pleasant,  at  least,  to  me. 

At  times  my  position  became  very  embarrassing,  for  I  was  obliged 
to  listen  tb  a  recapitulation  of  my  own  former  conversations  and 
correspondence  with  him,  which  made  me  feel  very  much  like  an 
eavesdropper.  He  bad  neither  wife,  mother  nor  sister,  and,  like 
myself,  was  a  wanderer  from  his  native  land.  - 

There  was  a  strong  bond  of  sympathy  between  us,  for  we  both 
believed  that  duly  called  us  there,  and  were  willing  to  lay  down 
even  life  itself,  if  need  be,  in  this  glorious  cause.  Now  he  was  gone, 
and  I  was  left  alone  with  a  deeper  sorrow  in  my  heart  than  I  had 
ever  known  before. 

Chaplain  B.  broke  the  painful  silence  by  informing  me  how  be 
had  met  his  fate.  He  was  acting  in  the  capacity  of  Aid-de-Camp  on 
Gen.  C.'s  staff.  He  was  sent  to  carry  an  order  from  Headquarters 
to  the  officer  in  command  of  the  outer  picket  line,  and  while  riding 
along  the  line  he  was  struck  by  a  minie-ball,  which  passed  through 
the  temple,  killing  him  instantly.  His  remains  were  brought  to 
camp  and  prepared  for  burial.  Without  shroud  or  coffin,  wrapped 
in  his  blanket,  his  body  was  committed  to  the  cold  ground. 

Night  came  at  last  with  its  friendly  mantle,  and  our  camp  was 
again  hushed  in  comparative  repose.  Twelve  o'clock  came,  but  I 
could  not  sleep.  Visions  of  a  pale  face  and  a  mass  of  black,  wavy 
hair,  matted  with  gore,  which  oozed  from  a  dark  purple  spot  on  the 
temple,  haunted  me.  I  rose  up  quietly  and  passed  out  into  the  open 
air.  The  Cool  night  breeze  felt  grateful  to  my  burning  brow,  which 
glowed  with  feverish  excitement  With  a  hasty  word  of  explanation 
I  passed  the  camp  guard,  and  was  soon  beside  the  grave  of  Lieut. 
V.  The  solemn  grandeur  of  the  heavens,  the  silent  stars  looking 
lovingly  down  tfpon  that  little  heaped-up  mound  of  earth,  the  death- 
like stillness  of  the  hour,  ©nly  broken  by  the  occasional  booming  of 
^he  epemy's  cannron,  all  c|)mbined  to  make  the  scene  awfully  im- 
jpressiVe.       ■      ^  ^  v     ? 

I  felt  that  I  was  not  alone.  I  was  in  the  presence  of  that  "<Gfod 
\t\io  Had  summoned  my  friend  to  the  eternal  world,  a'nd  tK^  spirit 


46  NUBSE    AND   SPY. 

to  the  wouno,  except  thnt  she  was  shot  by  a  Yankee,  winch  placed 
the  Surgeon  under  obligations  to  take  6nre  of  the  patient  until  she 
recovered,  that  is  say,  as  long  as  it  was  convenient  lor  him  to  do  so. 
The  next  day  she  returned  to  her  h.ouse  in  an  ambulance,  ac- 
companied by  a  hospital  steward,  and  brought  away  everything 
■which  could  be  made  use  of  in  the  hospital^  and  so  took  u})  her  abode 
with  i;s.  iSlie  soon  proved  the  genuineness  of  l-.er  conversion  to  the 
Federal  faith  by  her  zeal  for  the  cause  which  she  had  so  recently 
espoused. 


CHAPTER    Vir. 

A  IjOst  Fvienrl— r>eatl»  of  Lieut.  Jaiucs  Y.  — His  Bnria! — The  Or/ivo  liy 
Night — My  Vo'.v — A  .Soldier-Chaplain — IkCcoguitif  hj  ia  llcivcr.  — Dj;>bl3 
and  Di&salisfac!ion — Cr.iit'.iic  of  a  Spj- — My  Examijintioiis  at  Hea(Ui;i:utc"«. 
My  Disguise  as  a  Spy — I  am  Metamorphosed  iuto  a  Coatralxu;d — Flirtvi 
as  a  Cottk  —  F.iscHit  Sralnng— The  Doctor's  Tea. 

Returning  one  day  from  an  excursion,  I  found  the  camp  aim  ?: 
aeserteJ  and  an  unusual  silence  pervading  all  around.  Upon  look- 
ing to  the  right  and  left  to  discover  the  cause  of  so  much  qnielness, 
I  saw  a  procession  of  soldiers  slowly  winding  their  way  from  a  peach 
orchard,  where  tiiey  liad  just  deposited  the  remains  of  a  comrade. 
Who  could  it  have  been?  I  did  not  dare  to  go  and  meet  tlicm  to 
inquire,  but  I  waited  in  painful  suspense  until  tlie  procr«si.)n  cziuc 
up,  with  arms  reversed.  With  sad  faces  and  slov;  and  mc-'asiired 
tread  they  returned  in  order  as  they  had  gone.  I  steppeti  f(>r\vad 
and  inquired  whom  they  had  buried.  "Lieut.  James  V.,'"  was  t!ie 
reply. 

My  friend!  Tliey  had  buried  him,  and  I  had  not  seen  him  I  I 
went  to  my  tent  without  uttering  a  v.-ord.  I  felt  as  if  it  co'.:!d  not 
be  possible  that  what  I  heard  was  true.  It  must  have  been  some 
one  else.  I  did  not  inquire  how,  when,  or  where  he  hail  been  killed, 
but  there  I  sat  with  teariesa  eyes.  Mr.  and  Mis.  B.  crime  in,  she 
sobbing  aloud,  he  calm  and  dignified,  but  with  tears  slowiv  roilin"- 
down,  his  face. 

Lieut.  V.  was  32  years  of  age.  Pie  was  tall,  lia<l  black,  w.ivy 
hair,  and  large,  black  eyes.  He  was  a  sincere  Chriitian,  active  i:i 
all  the  duties  devolving  u])on  a  Christian  soldier,  .".nd  was  great) v 
beloved  both  by  officers  and  men.  His  loss  was  deeply  fth.  His 
heart,  though  brave,  was  tender  as  a  woman's.  He  wui  noiile  and 
generous,  and  liad  the  higl:e>t  regard  for  truth  and  law.  Althougli 
gentle  and  kind  to  all.  yet  he  had  un  indomilable  Sjiirit  and  a  pecu- 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.  47 

liar  courage  and  darinsr,  which  almost  amounted  to  recklessness  in 
tiiiie  of  danger.  He  was  not  an  American,  but  was  born  of  Enghsh 
parents,  and  was  a  native  of  St.  John,  New  Brunswick.  I  hiiJ 
known  him  almost  from  childhood,  and  found  him  always  a  faithful 
friend. 

When  we  met  in  the  array  we  mcj  a?  strangers.  Tiie  changes 
which  five  years  had  wrought,  and  the  costume  wliich  I  wore,  together 
"with  chanM  of  name,  rendered  it  impossible  for  him  to  recoi^nize 
nie.  I  was  glad  that  he  did  not,  and  took  peculiar  pleasure  in  re- 
maining unrecognized.  We  became  acquainted  again,  and  a  new 
friendship  sprang  up,  pn  his  part,  for  mine  was  not  new,  which  was 
very  pleasant,  at  least,  to  me. 

At  times  mv  position  became  very  embarrassinsr,  for  I  was  obliged 
to  listen  to  a  recapitulation  of  my  own  formi;r  conversations  and 
correspondence  with  him,  which  made  me  feel  very  much  like  an 
eavesdropper.  He  had  neither  wife,  mother  nor  sister,  and,  like 
myself,  was  a  wanderer  from  his  native  land. 

There  was  a  strong  bond  of  sympath}'  between  us,  for  we  both 
believed  that  duly  called  us  there,  and  were  willing  to  lay  down 
even  life  itself,  if  need  be,  in  this  glorious  cause;  Now  he  was  gone, 
and  I  was  left  alone  with  a  deeper  sorrow  in  my  heart  than  I  had 
ever  known  before. 

Chaplain  B.  broke  the  painful  silence  by  informing  me  how  he 
bad  met  his  fate.  He  was  acting  in  the  capacity  of  Aid-de-Camp  ou 
Gen.  C's  staff.  He  was  sent  to  carry  an  order  from  Headquarters 
to  the  officer  in  command  of  the  outer  picket  line,  and  while  riding 
along  the  line  he  was  struck  by  a  mmie-ball,  which  passed  through 
the  temple,  killing  him  instantly.  His  remains  were  brought  io 
camp  and  prepared  for  burial.  Without  shroud  or  comn,  wrapped 
in  his  blanket,  his  body  was  committed  to  the  cold  ground. 

Night  came  at  last  with  its  friendly  mantle,  and  cur  camp  was 
again  hushed  in  comparative  repose.  Twelve  o'clock  came,  but  I 
could  not  sleep.  Visions  of  a  pale  face  and  a  mass  of  black,  wavy 
hair,  matted  with  gore,  which  oozed  from  a  dark  purple  spot  on  the 
temple,  haunted  me.  I  rose  up  quietly  and  passed  out  into  the  open 
air.  The  cool  night  breeze  felt  grateful  to  my  burning  brow,  which 
glowed  with  feverish  excitement.  With  a  hasty  word  of  explanation 
I  passed  the  camp  guard,  and  was  soon  beside  the  grave  of  Lieut. 
V.  The  solemn  grandeur  of  the  heavens,  the  silent  stars  looking 
lovingly  down  upon  that  little  heaped-up  mound  of  earth,  the  death- 
like stillness  of  the  hour,  only  broken  by  the  occasional  booming  of 
the  enemy's  cannon,  all  combined  to  make  the  scene  awfully  im- 
pressive. 

I  felt  that  I  was  not  alone.  I  was  in  the  presence  of  that  God 
Trho  had  summoned  my  friend  to  the  eternal  world,  and  the  spirit 


" .-.■;  .  ■ --'-iiiW-   *  , 


I 
48  NURSE    AND    SPY.  ,  ,  !  . 

of  the  departed  one  was  hoveriiig  near,  altliougli  my  dirn  eyes  could 
not  penetrate  the  mysterious  veil  which  hid  him  from  my  view.  It 
was  there,  in  that  midnight  hour,  kneeling  beside  the  grave  of  him 
who  was  very  dear  to  me,  that  I  vowed  to  aveuge  the  death  of  that 
Christian  hero. 

I  could  now  better  understand  the  feelings  of  poor  Nellie  when 
she  fired  the  pistol  at  me,  because  I  was  "  one  of  the  hated  Yankees 
who  was  in  sympathy  with  the  murderers  of  her  husband,  father, 
and  brothers." 

From  this  time  forward  I  became  strangely  interested  in  the 
15th  chapter  of  First  Corinthians,  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection, 
and  the  hope  of  "  recognition  of  friends  in  heaven  "  became  very 
precious  to  me. 

Just  at  this  crisis  I  received  a  letter  from  a  friend  of  mine  at 
the  North,  disapproving  in  strong  terras  of  my  remaining  any  longer 
in  the  army,  requesting  me  to  give  up  my  situation  immediately, 
and  to  meet  him  in  Washington  two  weeks  from  date.  I  regarded 
that  friend's  opinion  very  much,  especially  when  they  coincided 
with  my  own,  but  upon  this  point  no  two  opinions  could  differ  more 
■widely  than  did  ours. 

It  is  true  I  was  becoming  dissatisfied  with  my  situation  as  nurse, 
and  was  determined  to  leave  the  hospital,  but  before  doing  so  I 
thought  it  best  to  call  a  council  of  three,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  and  I, 
to  decide  what  was  the  best  course  to  pursue. 

After  an  hour's  conference  together  the  matter  was  decided  in 
my  mind.  Chap.  B.  told  me  that  he  knew  of  a  situation  he  could 
get  for  me  if  I  had  sufficient  moral  courage  to  undertake  its  duties; 
and,  said  he,  "it  is  a  situation  of  great  danger  and.  of  vast  re- 
sponsibility." 

That  morning  a  detachm^t  of  the  37th  N.  Y.  had  been  sent 
cut  as  scouts,  and  had  returned  bringing  in  several  prisoners,  who 
stated  that  one  of  the  Federal  spies  had  been  captured  at  Rich- 
mond and  was  to  be  executed.  This  information  proved  to  be  cor- 
rect, and  we  lost  a  valuable  soldier  from  the  secret  service  of  the 
United  States. 

Now  it  was  necessary  for  that  vacancy  to  be  supplied,  and  as  the 
Chaplain  had  said  with  reference  to  it,  it  was  a  situation  of  great 
danger  and  vast  responsibility,  and  this  was  the  one  which  Mr.  B. 
could  procure  for  me.  But  was  I  capable  of  filling  it  with  honor 
to  myself  and  advantage  to  the  Federal  Government?  This  was 
an  important  question  for  me  to  consider  ere  I  proceeded  furthei*. 

I  did  consider  it  thoroughly,  and  made  up  my  mind  to  accept  it 
with  all  its  fearful  responsibilities.  The  subject  of  life  and  death 
was  not  weighed  in  the  balance;  I  left  that  in  the  han^s  of  niy 
Creator,  feeling  assured  that  I  was  just  as  safe  in  parsing  the 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER         49 

picket  lines  of  the  enemy,  if  it  was  God's  will  that  I  should  ga 
thore,  as  I  would  be  in  the  Federal  camp. 

My  name  was  sent  in  to  headquarters,  aud  I  was  soon  summoned 
to  appear  there  myself.  Mr.  and  Mr.*.  B.  accompanied  jne.  We 
were  ushered  into  the  presence  of  Gens.  McC,  M.  aud  H.,  where  I 
was  questioned  and  cross- questioned  v/ith  regard  to  ray  views  of 
tlie  rebellion  aud  my  motive  in  wishinjj  to  engau'e  in  so  perilous 
an  undertaking.  My  views  were  freely  given,  my  object  briefly 
stated,  and' I  had  passed  trial  number  one. 

Next  I  was  examined  with  regard  to  my  knowledge  of  the  use  of 
fire-arms,  and  in  that  department  I  sustained  my  character  in  a 
manner  worthy  of  a  veteran.  Then  I  was  again  cross-questioned, 
but  tliis  time  by  a  new  committee  of  military  stars. 

Next  came  a  phrenological  examination,  and  finding  that  my 
organs  of  secretiveness,  corabativeness,  etc.,  were  largely  develope(i, 
the  oath  of  allegiance  was  administered,  and  I  was  dismissed  with 
a  few  complimentary  remarks  which  made  the  good  ]\Ir.  B.  feel 
quite  proud  of  lus  protec/e. 

This  wns  the  third  time  that  I  had  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  United  States,  and  I  began  to  think,  as  many  of  our  soldiers 
do,  tliat  profanity  had  become  a  military  necessity. 

I  had  ihree  days  in  which  to  prepare  for  my  debut  into  rebel' 
dom,  and  I  commenced  at  once  to  remodel,  transform  and  meta- 
morphose for  the  occasion.  Early  next  morning  I  started  for 
Fortress  INIonroo,  where  I  procured  a  number  of  articles  indispens- 
ably necessary  to  a  complete  disguise.  In  the  first  place  I  pur- 
chased a  suit  of  contraband  clothing,  real  plantation  style,  and  then 
I  went  to  a  barber  and  had  my  hair  sheared  close  to  my  head. 

Next  came  the  coloring  process.  Head,  face,  neck,  hands  and 
arms  were  colored  black  as  any  African,  and  then,  to  complete  my 
contraband  costume,  I  required  a  wig  of  real  negro  wool  But  how 
or  where  was  it  to  be 'found?  There  was  no  such  thing  at  the  For- 
tress, and  none  short  of  Washington.  Happily  I  found  the  mail-boat 
was  about  to  start,  and  hastened  on  board,  and  finding  a  Postmaster 
with  whom  I  was  acquainted,  I  stepped  forward  to  speak  to  him, 
forgetting. my  contraband  appearance,  and  was  saluted  with:  • 

"  Well,  Massa  Cuff,  what  will  you  have? " 

Said  I :  "  Massa  send  me^to  you  wid  dis  yere  money  for  you  to' 
fotch  him  a  darky  wig  from  Washington." 

"  What  the does  hewant  of  a  darky  wig?"  asked  the  Post- 
master. 

"  No  matter;  dat's  my  orders.  Guess  it's  for  some  'noiterin'  busi- 
ness." 

"  Oh,  for  reconnoitering,  you  mean.  Ail  right,  old  fellow;  I  will 
bring  it,  tell  him."  :>    i  ^    v    v    =  f 


48  NURSE    AND    SPY. 

of  the  departed  one  was  hovering  near,  although  my  dim  eyescouul 
not  penetrate  the  mysterious  veil  which  hid  him  from  my  view.  It 
was  there,  in  that  midnight  hour,  kneeling  beside  the  grave  of  him 
who  was  very  dear  to  me,  that  I  vowed  to  avenge  the  death  of  that 
Christian  hero. 

I  could  now  better  understand  the  feelings  of  poor  Nellie  when 
she  fired  the  pistol  at  me,  because  I  was  "  one  of  the  hated  Yankees 
who  was  in  sympathy  with  the  murderers  of  her  husband,  father, 
and  brothers." 

From  this  time  forward  I  became  strangely  interested  in  the 
15th  chapter  of  First  Corinthians,  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection, 
and  the  hope  of  "  recognition  of  friends  in  heaven  "  became  very 
precious  to  me. 

Just  at  this  crisis  I  received  a  letter  from  a  friend  of  mine  at 
the  Nohh,  disapproving  in  strong  terms  of  my  remaining  any  longer 
in  the  army,  requesting  me  to  give  up  my  situation  immediately, 
and  to  meet  him  in  "Washington  two  weeks  from  date.  I  regarded 
that  friend's  opinion  very  much,  especially  when  they  coincided 
with  my  own,  but  upon  this  point  no  two  opinions  could  differ  more 
widely  than  did  ours. 

It  is  true  I  was  becoming  dissatisfied  with  my  situation  as  nurse, 
and  was  determined  to  leave  the  hospital,  but  before  doing  so  I 
thought  it  best  to  call  a  council  of  three,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  and  I, 
to  decide  what  was  the  best  course  to  pursue. 

After  an  hour's  conference  together  the  matter  was  decided  in 
my  mind.  Chap.  B.  told  me  that  he  knew  of  a  situation  he  could 
get  for  me  if  I  had  sufficient  moral  courage  to  undertake  its  duties; 
and,  said  he,  "  it  is  a  situation  of  great  danger  and  of  vast  re- 
eponsibiiity." 

That  morning  a  detachment  of  the  37th  N.  Y.  had  been  sent 
out  as  scouts,  and  had  returned  bringing  in  several  prisoners,  who 
stated  that  one  of  the  Federal  spies  had  been  captured  at  Rich- 
mond and  was  to  be  executed.  This  information  proved  to  be  cor- 
rect, and  we  lost  a  valuable  soldier  from  the  secret  service  of  the 
United  States. 

Now  it  was  necessary  for  that  vacancy  to  be  supplied,  and  as  the 
Chaplain  had  said  with  reference  to  it,  it  was  a  situation  of  great 
danger  and  vast  responsibility,  and  this  was  the  one  which  Mr.  B. 
could  procure  for  me.  But  was  I  capable  of  filling  it  with  honor 
to  myself  and  advantage  to  the  Federal  Government?  This  was 
an  important  question  lor  me  to  consider  ere  I  proceeded  furtiier. 

I  did  consider  it  thoroughly,  and  made  up  my  mind  to  accept  it 
with  all  its  fearful  responsibilities.  The  subject  of  life  and  death 
was  not  Weighed  in  the  balance ;  I  left  that  in  the  hands  of  my 
Creator,  feeling  assured  that  I  was  just  as  safe   in  passing  the 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER         49 

picket  lines  of  the  enemy,  if  it  was  God's  will  that  I  should  go 
there,  as  I  would  be  in  the  Federal  camp. 

My  name  was  sent  in  to  headquarter?,  and  I  was  soon  smnmoned 
to  appear  there  myself.  Mr.  and  Mr?.  B,  accoin|iaijied  me.  We 
were  ushered  into  the  presence  of  Gen?.  ISIcC,  M.  and  H.,  where  I 
was  questioued  and  cross-questioned  with  re;;ard  to  mj'  views  of 
the  rebellion  and  my  motive  in  wishinj^  to  engau;e  in  so  perilous 
an  undertaking.  My  views  were  freely  given,  ray  object  briefly 
staled,  and  I  had  passed  trial  number  one. 

Next  I  was  examined  with  regard  to  ray  knowledge  of  the  use  of 
fire-arms,  and  in  that  department  I  sustained  my  character  in  a 
manner  wortliy  of  a  veteran.  Then  I  was  again  cross-questioned, 
but  this  time  by  a  new  committee  of  military  stars. 

Next  came  a  phrenological  examination,  and  nnding  that  my 
organs  of  secretiveness,  combativeness,  etc.,  were  Largely  develope<1, 
the  oath  of  allegiance  was  administered,  and  I  was  dismissed  with 
a  few  complimentary  remarks  which  made  the  good  Mr.  B.  feci 
quite  proud  of  his  protege. 

This  WMS  the  third  time  that  I  had  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  United  States,  and  I  began  to  think,  as  many  of  our  soldiers 
do,  that  profanity  iiad  become  a  military  necessity. 

I  had  ihrce  days  in  which  to  prepare  for  my  debut  into  rebel- 
dom,  and  I  (.onimeiiced  at  once  to  remodel,  transform  and  meta- 
morphijse  for  the  occjvsion.  Early  next  morning  I  started  for 
Fortress  itlonroe,  where  I  procured  a  number  of  articles  indispens- 
ably necessary  to  a  complete  disguise.  In  the  first  place  I  pur- 
chased a  suit  of  contraband  clothing,  real  plantation  style,  and  then 
I  wer.t  to  a  barber  and  had  my  hair  sheared  close  to  my  head. 

Next  eaiiie  liie  coloring  process.  Head,  face,  neck,  hands  and 
arms  were  coh)red  black  as  any  African,  and  then,  to  complete  my 
contraband  costnme,  I  required  a  wig  of  real  negro  wool  But  how 
or  where  was  it  to  be  found?  There  was  no  such  thins  at  the  For- 
tress,  and  none  short  of  Washington.  Happily  I  found  the  mail-boat 
was  ajbout  to  start,  and  hastened  on  board,  and  finding  a  Postmaster 
with  whom  I  was  acquainted,  I  step|:)ed  forward  to  speak  to  him, 
forgetting  my  contraband  appearance,  and  was  saluted  with : 

"Well,  Massa  Cuff,  what  will  vou  have?  ' 

Said  I :  "  Massa  send  me  to  you  wid  dis  yere  money  for  you  to 
fotch  him  a  darky  wig  from  Washington." 

"  What  the does  he  want  of  a  darky  wig?"  asked  the  Post- 
master. 

"No  matter;  dat's  ray  orders.  Guess  it's  for  some  'noiterin'  busi- 
ness." 

"  Ob,  for  reconnoitering,  you  mean.  Ail  right,  old  fellow;  I  will 
bring  it,  tell  him." 


50 


NURSE    AND    SPY. 


I  remained  at  Fortress  Monroe  until  tlie  Postmaster  returned  with 
the  article  which  was  to  complete  my  disguise,  and  then  returned  to 
Yorktowu. 

On  mv  return  I  found  ravself  without  friends — a  striking  illustra- 
tion  of  the  frailty  of  human  friendship.  I  had  been  forgotten  in 
those  three  short  days.  I  went  to  Mrs.  B.'s  tent  and  inquired  if  she 
wanted  to  hire  a  boy  to  take  care  of  her  horse.  She  was  very  civil 
to  me,  asked  if  I  came  from  Fortress  Monroe,  and  whether  I  could 
cook.  She  did  not  want  to  hire  me,  but  she  thought  she  could  find 
some  one  who  did  require  a  boy. 

Off  she  went  to  Dr.  E.  and  told  him  that  there  was  a  smart  little 
contraband  there  who  was  in  searcli  of  work.  Dr.  E.  came  along 
looliing  as  important  as  two-year-old  doctors  generally  do. 

"  Well,  my  boy,  how  much  work  can  you  do  in  a  day?  '' 

"Oh,  I  reckon  I  kin  work  right  smart;  kin  do  heaps  o'  work. 
Will  you  hire  me,  Massa?  '' 

"Don't  know  but  I  may;  can  you  cook?"  , 

"Yes,  Massa,  kin  cook  anything  I  ebber  seen." 

"How  much  do  you  think  you  can  earn  a  month?" 

"Guess  I  kin  earn  ten  dollars  easy  nuff." 

"Turning  to  Mrs.  B.  he  said  in  an  undertone :  "  That  darky  under- 
stands his  business." 

"  Yes^  indeed;  I  would  hire  him  by  all  means,  Doctor,"  said  Mrs. 
B. 

"  Well,  if  you  wish,  you  can  stay  with  me  a  month,  and  by  that 
time  I  will  be  a  better  judge  how  much  you  can  earn." 

So  saying  Dr.  E.  proceeded  to  give  a  synopsis  of  a  contraband's 
duty  toward  a  master  of  whom  he  expected  $10  per  month,  especially 
emphasising  the  last  clause.  Then  I  was  introduced  to  the  culinary 
department,  which  comprised  flour,  pork,  beans,  a  small  portable 
stove,  a  spider,  and  a  medicine-chest 

It  was  novv  supper  time,  and  I  was  supposed  to  understand  my 
business  sufficiently  to  prepare  supper  without  asking  any  questions 
■whatever,  and  also  to  display  some  of  my  boasted  talents  by  making 
warm  Ipiscuit  for  supper.  '  But  how  was  I  to  make  biscuit  with  my 
colored  hands  ?  and  how  dare  I  wash  them  for  fear  the  color  would 
wash  off.  ' 

All  this  trouble  was  soon  put  to  an  end,  however,  by  Jack's  mak- 
ing his  appearance  while  I  was  stirring  up  the  biscuit  with  a  stick, 
and  in  his  bustling,  officious  negro  style  he  said  : 

"See  here,  nig,  you  dpn't  know  nuffip  'hout  raakin'  bisket.  Jis* 
let  me  show  you  once,  and  dat  ar'  will  s^ve  you  heaps  0/  trouble  iwid 
Massa  Docfr  for  time  to,  cprae."  ^  '  /  .  ; 

^"^   r  very  Sviflingly  accepted  of  tljis  proffered   assistance,  for  I  had 
ill  the! Jieiee^ary  ingre^ieBtd  iu  the  dishj  witti  ^prk-fat  for  shortening, 


trlSl^--  >. 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         51 

nnd  soda  and  cream-tartar,  which  I  found  in  the  medicine-chest, 
ready  for  kneading  and  rolling  out.  .  After  washing  his  hands  and 
rolling  up  his  sleeves,  Jack  went  to  work  with  a  flourish  and  a  grin 
of  satisfaction  at  being  "  boss  "  over  the  new  cook.  Tea  made,  bis- 
cuit baked,  and  the  medicine-chest  set  off  with  tin. cups,  plates,  etc., 
supper  was  announced.  Dr.  E.  was  much  pleased  with  the  general 
ai)pearance  of  things,  and  was  evidently  beginning  to  think  that  he 
Lad  found  rather  an  intelligent  contraband  for  cook. 


:  CHAPTER    VIII. 

Jly  First  Secret  Expedition — My  Work  Among  Contrabands — Pickax, 
Shovel  and  Wheelbarrow- — Counting  the  Guns  in  a  Rebel  Fortification — A 
Change  of  Work — Carrying  Water  to  the  Rebel  Soldiers — Geus.  Lee  and 
Johnsloa— The  Rebel  Force  at  Yorktown — A  Council  of  War — Turning 
White  Again — A  gebel  Spy — Lieut.  V.'s  Murderer — On  Picket  Duty — My 
Return  to  Our  Lines — I  Put  on  Uniform  and  Make  My  Report. 

After  supper  1  was  left  to  my  own  reflections,  which  were  any- 
thing but  pleasant  at  that  time,  for  in  the  short  space  of  three  houra 
I  must  take  up  my  line  of  march  toward  the  camp  of  the  enemy. 
As  I  sat  there  considering  whether  it  was  best  for  me  to  make  my- 
self known  to  Mrs.  B.  before  I  started.  Dr.  E.  put  his  head  in  at 
the  tent  door  and  said  in  a  hurried  manner: 

"Ned,  I  want  you  to  black  my  boots  to-night;  I  shall  require 
them  early  in  the  morning." 

"All  right,  Massa  Doct'r,"  said  I;  "I  allers  blacks  de  boots  over 
night." 

After  washing  up  the  few  articles  which  had  taken  the  place  of 
dishes,  and  blacking  the  Doctor's  boots.  I  went  to  seek  an  interview 
with  Mrs.  B.  I  found  her  alone  and  told  her  who  I  was,  but  waa 
obliged  to  give  her  satisfactory  proofs  of  my  identity  before  she  waa 
convinced  that  I  was  the  identical  nurse  with  whom  she  had  parted 
three  days  previously. 

My  aciangements  were  soon  made,  and  I  was  ready  to  start  on 
my  first  secret  expedition  toward  the  Confederate  Capital.  Mrs.  B. 
was  pTedgod  to  secrecy  with  regard  to  her  knowledge  of  "  Ned  "  and 
his  mystefious  disappearance.  She  was  not  permitted  even  to  tell 
Mr.  B.  or  Dr.  E.,  and  I  believe  she  kept  her  pledge  faithfully. 

With  a  few  hard  crackers  in  my  pocket,  and  my  revolver  loaded 
and  capped,  I  started  on  foot,  without  even  a  blanket  or  anything, 
which  might  create  suspicion.     At  half-past  9  o'clock  I  passed 


50 


NUESE    AND    SPY. 


I  remained  at  Fortress  Monroe  until  the  Postmaster  returned  with 
the  article  which  was  to  complete  my  disguise,  and  then  returned  to 
Yorktown. 

On  mv  return  I  found  mvself  without  friends— a  strikin;;  iliustra- 
lion  of  the  frailty  of  human  friendship.  I  had  been  forgotten  in 
those  three  short  days.  I  went  to  Mrs.  B.'s  tent  and  inquired  if  she 
wanted  to  hire  a  boy  to  take  care  of  her  horse.  She  was  very  civil 
to  me,  asked  if  I  came  from  Fortress  Monroe,  and  whether  I  could 
cook.  She  did  not  want  to  hire  me,  but  she  thought  she  could  find 
some  one  who  did  require  a  boy. 

Off  she  went  to  Dr.  E.  and  lold  him  that  there  was  a  smart  little 
contraband  there  who  was  in  search  of  woik.     Dr.  E.  came  along 
looking  as  important  as  two-year-old  doctors  generally  do. 
"  Well,  my  boy,  how  ranch  work  can  you  do  in  a  day?  '' 
"Oh,  I  reckon  I  kin  work   right  smart;  kin   do   heaps  o'  work. 
"Will  you  hire  lue,  Ma^sa?  "' 

"Don't  know  but  I  mav;  can  vou  cook?" 
"Yes,  Massa,  kin  cook  anything  I  ebber  seen."' 
"How  much  do  you  tiiink  vou  can  earn  a  month?" 
"Guess  I  kin  earn  ten  dollars  easy  nuff." 

"  Turning  to  Mrs.  B.  he  said  in  au  undertone :  "  That  darky  under- 
stands his  business." 

"Yes,  indeed;  I  would  hire  him  by  all  means,  Doctor,"  said  Mrs. 
B. 

"  Well,  if  you  wish,  you  can  stay  with  me  a  month,  and  by  that 
time  I  will  be  a  better  jiiclge  how  much  you  can  earn." 

So  saying  Dr.  R  proceeded  to  give  a  synopsis  of  a  contraband's 
duty  toward  a  master  of  v.honi  he  ex]:)ectcd  SIO  per  month,  especially 
emphasising  the  last  clause.  Then  I  was  introduced  to  the  culinary 
department,  which  comprised  flour,  pork,  beans,  a  small  portable 
stove,  a  spider,  and  a  medicine-chest 

It  was  now  supper  time,  and  I  was  supposed  to  understand  my 
business  sufficiently  to  prepare  supper  without  asking  any  questions 
whatever,  and  also  to  display  some  of  my  boasted  talents  by  making 
warm  biscuit  for  supper.  But  how  was  I  to  make  biscuit  with  ray 
colored  hands?  and  how  dare  I  wash  them  for  fear  the  color  would 
wash  off. 

All  this  trouble  was  soon  put  to  an  end,  however,  by  Jack's  mak- 
ing his  appearance  while  I  was  stirring  up  the  biscuit  with  a  stick, 
and  in  his  bustling,  officious  negro  stvle  he  said  : 

.  "See  here,  nig,  you  don't  know  uuffin  'bout  makin'  bisket     Jis' 
let  me  show  you  once,  and  dat  ar'  will  save  you  heaps  o'  trouble  wid 
:  Massa  Doct'r  for  time  to  come." 

,  I  very  willingly  accepted  of  this  proffered   assisrancc,  for  I  hiid 
•_al;I  the  nece^ary  ingredients  iu  the  dish,  with  poik-fat  for  shortening, 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         51 

and  soda  and  cream-tartar,  which  I  found  in  the  medicine-chest, 
ready  for  kneadinj^  and  rolling  out.  After  washing  bis  hands  and 
rolling  up  his  sleeves,  Jack  went  to  work  with  a  flourish  and  a  grin 
of  satisfaction  at  being  "  boss  "  over  the  new  cook.  Tea  made,  bis- 
cuit baked,  and  the  medicine-chest  set  off  with  tin  cups,  plates,  etc., 
supper  was  announced.  Dr.  E.  was  much  pleased  with  the  general 
appearance  of  things,  and  was  evidently  beginning  to  think  that  be 
Lad  found  rather  an  intelligent  contraband  for  cook. 


CHAPTER    Vlir. 

I.Iy  First  Secret  Expedition— My  Work  Araoug  Contrabands— Pickax, 
Shovel  and  Wheelbarrow — Counting  the  Guns  in  a  Rebel  Fortification — A 
Change  of  Work — Carrj-ing  Water  to  the  Rebel  Soldiers— Gens.  Lee  and 
Johnston— The  Rebel  Force  at  Yorktown — A  Council  of  War — Tnrning 
White  Again— A  Rebel  Spy— Lieut.  V.'s  Murderer — On  Picket  Duty — My 
Retarn  to  Our  Lines — I  Put  on  Uniform  and  Make  My  Report. 

After  supper  I  was  left  to  my  own  reflections,  which  were  any- 
thing but  pleasant  at  that  time,  for  in  the  short  space  of  three  hours 
I  must  take  up  ray  line  of  march  toward  the  camp  of  the  enemy. 
As  I  sat  there  considering  whether  it  was  best  for  me  to  make  my- 
self known  to  Mrs.  B.  before  I  started,  Dr.  R  put  his  head  in  at 
the  tent  door  and  said  in  a  hurried  manner: 

"Ned,  I  want  you  to  black  my  boots  tonight;  I  shall  require 
them  early  in  the  morning."' 

"All  right,  Massa  Doct'r,"  said  I;  "I  allers  blacks  de  boots  over 
night." 

After  washing  up  the  few  articles  which  had  taken  the  place  of 
dishes,  and  blacking  the  Doctor's  boots,  I  went  to  seek  an  interview 
with  Mrs.  B.  I  found  her  alone  and  told  her  who  I  was,  but  was 
obliged  to  give  her  satisfactory  proofs  of  my  identity  before  she  was 
convinced  tliat  I  was  the  identical  nurse  with  whom  she  had  parted 
three  days  previously. 

My  arrangements  were  soon  made,  and  I  was  ready  to  start  on 
my  first  secret  expedition  toward  the  Confederate  Capital.  Mrs.  B. 
was  pledged  to  secrecy  with  regard  to  her  knowledge  of  "  Ned  "  and 
his  mysterious  disappearance.  She  was  not  permitted  even  to  tell 
Mr.  B.  or  Dr.  E.,  and  I  believe  she  kept  her  pledge  faithfully. 

With  a  few  hard  crackers  in  my  pocket,  and  ray  revolver  loaded 
and  capped,  I  started  on  foot,  without  even  a  blanket  or  anything 
-which  might  create  suspicion.     At  half-past  9  o'clock  I  passed 


^■^^   -^-/iiW 


"A 


62  NUESE   AND   SPY. 

through  the  outer  picket-line  of  the  Union  army ;  at  12  o'clock  I 
was  within  the  rebel  lines,  and  had  not  so  much  as  been  halted  once 
by  a  sentinel.  I  had  passed  -within  less  than  10  rods  of  a  rebel 
picket,  and  he  had  not  seen  me.  I  took  this  as  a  favorable  omen, 
and  thanked  heaven  for  it. 

As  soon  as  I  had  gone  a  safe  distance  from  the  picket-lines  I  lay 
down  and  rested  until  morning.  The  night  was  chilly  and  the 
ground  cold  and  damp,  and  I  passed  the  weary  hours  in  fear  and 
trembling.  The  first  object  which  met  my  view  in  the  morning  was 
a  party  of  negroes  carrying  out  hot  coffee  and  provisions  to  the  rebel 
pickets.  ■-- 

This  was  another  fortunate  circumstance,  for  I  immediately 
made  their  acquaintance,  and  was  rewarded  for  my  promptness  by 
receiving  a  cup  of  coffee  and  a  piece  of  cornbread,  -which  helped 
very  much  to  chase  away  the  lingering  chills  of  the  preceding  night. 
I  remained  there  until  the  darkies  returned,  and  then  marched  into 
Yorktown  with  them  without  eliciting  the  least  suspicion. 

The  negroes  went  to  work  immediately  on  the  fortifications,  after 
reporting  to  their  overseers,  and  I  was  left  standing  alone,  not  hav- 
ing quite  made  up  my  mind  what  part  to  act  next.  I  was  saved 
all  further  trouble  in  that  direction,  for  my  idleness  had  attracted 
the  notice  of  an  officer,  who  stepped  forward  and  began  to  interro- 
gate me  after  the  following  manner : 

"  Wlio  do  you  belong  to,  and  why  are  you  not  at  work  ?  " 

I  answered  in  my  best  negro  dialect :  "  I  dusn't  belong  to  nobody, 
Massa.  I'se  free,  and  allers  was.  I'se  gwyne  to  Richmond  to  work." 
But  that  availed  me  nothing,  for  turning  to  a  man  who  was  dressed 
in  citizen's  clothes,  and  who  seemed  to  be  in  charge  of  the  colored 
department,  he  said: 

"Take  that  black  rascal  and  set  him  to  work,  and  if  he  don't 
work  well  tie  him  up  and  give  him  20  lashes,  just  to  impress  upon 
his  mind  that  there's  no  free  niggers  here  while  there's  a Yan- 
kee left  in  Virginia." 

So  saying  he  rode  away,  and  I  was  conducted  to  a  breastwork 
which  was  in  course  of  erection,  where  about  a  hundred  negroes 
were  at  work.  I  was  soon  furnished  with  a  pickax,  shovel  and  a 
monstrous  wheelborrow,  and  I  commenced  forthwith  to  imitate  my 
companions  in  bondage.  That  portion  of  the  parapet  upon  which  I 
was  sent  to  work  was  about  eight  feet  high.  The  gravel  was  wheeled 
up  in  wheelbarrows  on  single  planks,  one  end  of  which  rested  on 
the  brow  of  the  breastwork  and  the  other  on  the  ground. 

I  need  not  say  that  this  work  was  exceedingly  hard  for  the 
strongest  man.  But  few  were  able  to  take  up  their  wheelbarrows 
alone,  and  I  was  often  helped  by  some  good-natured  darky  when  I 
.\Eas  just,oa^:verge  of  tumbliog  off  tJoQ  f^ankt    AU  day  Jong  I 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIEE.         53 

"worked  in  this  manner,  until  my  hands  were   blistered  from  my 
wrists  to  the  finger  ends. 

The  colored  men's  rations  were  different  from  those  of  the  sol- 
diers. They  had  neither  meat  nor  coffee,  while  the  white  men  liad 
both.  "Whisky  was  freely  distributed  to  both  black  and  white,  but 
not  in  sufficient  quantity  to  unfit  them  for  duty. 

The  soldiers  seemed  to  be  as  much  in  earnest  as  the  officers,  and 
could  curse  the  Yankees  with  quite  as  much  vehemence.  Notwith- 
standing the  hardships  of  the  day  I  had  had  my  eyes  and  ears  open, 
and  had  gained  more  than  would  counterbalance  the  day's  work. 

Night  came,  and  I  Avas  released  from  toil.  I  was  free  to  go  where 
I  pleased  within  the  fortifications,  and  I  made  good  use  of  my 
liberty.  I  made  out  a  brief  report  of  the  mounted  guns  which  I 
saw  that  night  in  my  ramble  round  the  fort ;  viz,  15  three-inch 
rifled  cannon,  18  four-and-a-half-inch  rifled  cannon,  29  32- 
pounders,  21  42-pounders,  23  eight-inch  Columbiads,  11  nine-inch 
Dahlgrens,  13  ten-inch  Columbiads,  14  ten-inch  mortars  and  seven 
eight-inch  siege  howitzers.  This,  together  with  a  rough  sketch  of 
the  outer  works,  I  put  under  the  inner  sole  of  my  contraband  shoe 
and  returned  to  the  negro-quarters. 

Finding  ray  hands  would  not  be  in  a  condition  to  shovel  muck 
earth'  on  the  morrow,  I  began  to  look  round  among  the  negroes  to 
find  some  one  who  would  exchange  places  with  me  wbose  duty  was 
of  a  less  arduous  character.  I  succeeded  in  finding  a  lad  of  about 
my  own  size  who  was  engaged  in  carrying  water  to  the  troops. 

He  said  he  would  take  my  place  the  next  day,  and  he  thougkt 
he  could  find  a  friend  to  do  the  same  the  day  followiag,  for  which 
brotherly  kindness  I  gave  him  $5  in  greenbacks,  bHt  he  declared  he 
could  not  take  so  much  money — "  he  neber  had  so  much  money  in 
all  his  life  before."  So  by  that  operation  I  escaped  the  scrutiny  of 
the  overseer,  which  would  probably  have  resulted  in  the  detection 
of  my  assumed  African  complexion. 

The  second  day  in  the  Confederate  service  was  much  pleasanter 
than  the  first.  I  had  only  to  supply  one  brigade  with  water,  which 
did  not  require  much  exertion,  for  the  day  was  cool  and  the  well 
was  not  far  distant ;  consequently  I  had  an  opportunity  of  lounging 
a  little  among  the  soldiers,  and  of  hearing  important  subjects  dis* 
cussed, 

In  that  way  I  learned  the  number  of  reinforcements  which  had 
arrived  from  different  places,  and  also  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
Gen.  Lee,  who  arrived  while  I  was  there.  It  was  whispered  among 
the  men  that  he  had  been  telegraphed  to  for  the  purpose  of  inspect- 
ing the  Yankee  fortifications,  as  he  was  the  best  engineer  in  the 
Confederacy,  and  that  he  had  prpnounced  it  impossible  to  hold 
Y^orktown  after  McClellan  opened  hie  siege  guns  upon  it. 


' '^-^i.'fii-'i.x^^-jL  .  ■  '  ■'■^,;  ■■-,»okJ!^--> -~;. 


54  NURSE   AND   SPY. 

Then,  too,  Gen.  J.  E.  Johnston  was  hourly  expected  with  a  por- 
tion of  his  command.  Including  all,  the  rebels  cstimdted  their  force 
at  150,000  at  Yorktown  and  in  that  vicinitv. 

When  Johnston  arrived  a  council  of  war  was  held,  and  things 
began  to  look  gloomy.  The  report  began  to  circulate  that  the  town 
was  to  be  evacuated.  I  noticed  in  the  rebel  army  that  they  did  not 
keep  their  soldiers  in  the  dark  as  our  officers  did  with  regard  to  the 
movements  and  designation  of  the  troops.  When  an  order  came  to 
the  Federal  army  requiring  them  to  make  some  important  move- 
ment, no  person  knew  whether  they  were  advancing  or  retreating 
until  they  got  to  Washington  or  in  sight  of  the  enemy's  guns,  ex- 
cepting two  or  three  of  the  leading  Generals. 

Having  a  little  spare  time  I  visited  my  eable  friends  and  carried 
Eome  water  for  them,  and  after  taking  a  draft  of  the  cool  beverage, 
one  young  darky  looked  up  at  me  in  a  puzzled  sort  of  manner,  and 
turning  round  to  one  of  his  companions,  said  :  "  Jim,  I'll  be  darned 
if  that  feller  ain't  turnin'  white.     If  he  ain't,  I'm  no  nigger." 

I  felt  greatly  alarmed  at  the  remark,  but  said,  very  carelessly : 
"  Well,  gem'in  I'se  allers  'spected  to  come  white  some  time ;  my 
niudder's  a  white  woman." 

This  had  the  desired  effect,  for  they  all  laughed  at  my  simplicity, 
and  made  no  further  remarks  upon  the  subject.  As  soon  as  I  could 
conveniently  get  out  of  sight  I  took  a  look  at  my  complexion  by 
means  of  a  small  pocket  looking-glass  which  I  carried  for  that  very 
purpose,  and  sure  enough,  as  the  negro  had  said,  I  was  really  turning 
white.  I  was  only  a  dark  mulatto  color  now,  whereas  two  days 
previous  I  was  as  black  as  Cloe. 

However,  I  had  a  small  vial  of  nitrate  of  silver  in  weak  solution, 
which  I  applied  to  prevent  the  remaining  color  from  coming  off. 

Upon  returning  to  my  post  with  a  fresh  supply  of  water  I  saw  a 
group  of  soldiers  gathered  around  some  individual  who  was  harangu- 
ing them  in  real  Southern  style.  I  went  up  quietly,  put  down  my 
cans  of  water,  and,  of  course,  had  to  fill  the  men's  canteens,,  which 
required  considerable  time,  especially  as  I  was  not  in  any  particular 
hurry  just  then.  I  thought  the  voice  sounded  familiar,  and  upon 
taking  a  sly  look  at  the  speaker  I  recognized  him  at  once  as  a  ped- 
dler who  used  to  come  to  the  Federal  camp  regularly  once  every 
week  withnews  papers  and  stationery,  and  especially  at  Headquarters. 
He  would  hang  round  there,  under  some  pretext  or  other,  for  half 
a  day  at  a  time. 

Tnere  lie  was,  giving  the  rebels  a  full  description  of  our  camps 
and  forces,  and  also  brought  out  a  map  of  the  entire  works  of  Mc- 
Clellan's  position.     He  wound  up  his  discourse  by  saying: 

"  They  lost  a  splendid  officer  through  my  means  since  I  have 
been  gone  this  time.    It  was  a  pity,  though,  to  kill  such  a  man,  if 


v'4 


■■r^f-^i^-^-i^'^-,^ 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMA.N  A  3  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         55 

lie  wag  a  Yankee."     Then  he  -went  on  to  tell  how  he  had  been  at   .. 
Headquarter?,  and  heard  _Lieut.  V.  say  that  he  was  going  to  visit 
the  picket  line  at  such  a  time,  and  he  had  hastened  away  and  in- . 
formed  the  rebel  sharpshooters  that  one  of  the  Headquarters  officers, 
would  be  there  at  a  certain  time,  and  if  they  would  charge  on  that, , 
portion  of  the  line  they  might  capture   him  and  obtain  some  valu- : 
able  information.     Instead  of  this,  however,  they  watched  for  his  • 
approach  and  shot  him  as  soon  as  he  made  his  appearance. 

I  tlianked  God  for  that  information.  I  would  willingly  have ; 
Avrought  with  those  negroes  on  that  parapet  for  two  months,  and 
have  worn  the  skin  off  my  hands  half  a  dozen  times,  to  have  gained 
that  single  item.  He  was  a  fated  man  from  that  moment;  his  life 
was  not  worth  three  cents  in  Confederate  scrip.  Fortunately  he  did 
not  know  the  feelinfrs  tliat  agitated,  the  heart  of  the  little  black 
urciiin  who  sat  there  so  quietly  filling  those  canteens,  and  it  was 
well  that  he  did  not. 

On  the  evening  of  the  third  day  from  the  time  I  entered  the 
camp  of  the  enemy  I  was  sent,  in  company  with  the  colored  men, 
to  carry  supper  to  the  outer  picket  posts  on  the  right  wing.  This 
was  just  what  I  wished  for,  and  had  been  making  preparations 
during  the  da)',  in  view  of  the  possibility  of  such  an  event,  pro-: 
viding,  among  other  things,  a  canteen  full  of  whisky.  - 

Some  of  the  men  on  picket  duty  were  black  and  some  were  white. i 
I  had  a  great  partiality  for  those  of  my  own  color,  so  calling  out; 
several  darkies  I  spread  before  them  some  corn-cake,  and  gave  them- 
a  little  whisky  for  dessert.    "While  we  were  thus  engaged  the  Yankee 
minie-balls  were  whistling  round  our  heads,  for  the  picket  lines  of - 
the  contending  parties  were  not  half  a  mile  distant  from  each  other. 
The  rnbel  pickets  did  not  remain  together  in  groups  of  three  or 
foul  as  our  men  do,  but  were  strung  along,  one  in  eacb  place, from. 
thrcy  10  four  rods  apart.     I  proposed  to  reman  awhile  with  the. 
pickets,  and  the  darkies  returned  to  camp  without  me. 

Not  long  after  night  an  officer  came  riding  along  the  lines,  and 
seeing  me  inquired  what  I  was  doing  there.  One  of  the  darkies 
replied  that  I  had  helped  to  carry  out  their  supper,  and  was  waiting 
until  the  Yankees  had  stopped  their  firing  before  I  started  to  go 
back.     Turning  to  me  he  said,  "  You  come  along  with  me." 

I  did  as  I  was  ordered,  and  he  turned  and  went  back  the  same 
way  he  came  until  he  had  gone  about  fifty  rods,  then  halting  in  front 
of  a  petty  officer  he  said,  "  Put  this  fellow  on  the  post  where  that 
man  was  shot,  until  I  returij." 

I  was  conducted  a  few  rods  f^rtlierj  and  then  a  rifle  was  put  into 
my  hands,  which  I  was  told  to  use  freely  in  case  I  should,  ae©  any-^, 
thing  or  anybody  approaching  froin  the  enemy.     Then  followed  the 
Hatteriug  remark,  after  taking  me  by  the  coat-collar  and  giving 


:m^ 


56  NUR&E    AND    SPY. 

nie  a  pretty  hard  shake:  "Noav,  you  black  rascal,  if  you 
sleep  on  your  post  I'll  shoot  you  like  a  dog."  "Oh,  no,  Ma$sa; 
Is  too   feerd  to  sleep,"  was  my  only  reply. 

The  night  was  very  dark,  and  it  was  beginntng  to  rain.  I  was 
all  alone  now,  but  how  long  before  the  officer  might  return  with 
some  one  to  fill  my  place  I  did  not  know,  and  I  thought  the  best 
thiijg  I  could  do  was  to  make  good  use  of  the  present  moment. 

After  ascertaining  as  well  as  possible  the  position  of  the  picket  on 
each  side  of  me,  each  of  whom  I  found  to  be  enjoying  the  shelter 
of  the  nearest  tree,  I  deliberately  and  noiselessly  stepped  into  the 
darkness,  and  was  soon  gliding  swiftly  through  the  forest  toward 
the  "Land  of  the  Free,"  with  my  splendid  rifle  grasped  tightly  lest 
I  should  lose  the  prize. 

I  did  not  dare  approach  very  near  the  Federal  lines,  for  I  was  in 
more  danger  of  being  shot  by  them  than  by  the  enemy ;  so  I  spent 
the  remainder  of  the  night  within  bailing  distance  of  our  lines, 
and  with  the  first  dawn  of  morning  I  hoisted  the  well-known  signal 
and  was  welcomed  once  more  to  a  sight  of  the  dear  old  Stars  and 
Stripes. 

I  went  immediately  to  my  tent.  Mrs.  B.  was  delighted  at  my 
return;  she  was  the  only  person  in  camp  who  knew  me.  Jack  was 
sent  to  the  Quartermaster's  with  an  order  for  a  new  suit  of  soldier's 
clothes.  When  he  saw  they  were  for  me,  on  his  return,  he  said : 
"  Hi !  dat  darky  tinks  he's  some.  Guess  he  don't  cook  no  more  for 
Massa  Doct'r." 

After  removing  as  ranch  of  the  color  as  it  was  possible  for  soap 
a,nd  water  to  do,  my  complexion  was  a  nice  maroon  color,  which  my 
new  costume  phoyred  off  to  good  advantage.  Had  my  own  mother 
seen  me  then  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  convince  her  of  our 
relationship.  I  made  out  my  report  immediately  and  carried  it 
to  Gen.  McClellan's  Headquarters,  together  with  my  trophy  from 
the  land  of  traitors.  I  saw  Gen.  G.  B.,  but  he  did  not  recognize 
me,  and  ordered  me  to  go  and  tell  A.  to  appear  before  him  in 
an  hour  from  that  time. 

I  returned  again  to  my  tent,  chalked  my  face,  and  dressed  in  the 
same  style  as  on  examination  day,  went  at  the  hour  appointed,  and 
received  the  hearty  congratulations  of  the  General. 

Do  my  friends  wish  to  know  how  1  felt  in  such  a  position  and 
such  a  costume?  I  will  tell  them.  I  felt  just  as  happy  and  com- 
fortable as  it  was  possible  for  any  one  to  be  under  similar  circum- 
stances. I  am  naturally  fond  of  adventure,  a  little  ambitious,  and 
a  j?ood  deal  romantic,  and  this,  together  with'  my  devotion  to  the 
Federal  cause  and  determination  to  assist  to  the  utmost  of  my  ability 
in  crushing  the  re l)el lion,  made  me  forget  the  unpleasant  items,  and 
uot  onl/  endure,  but  really  enjoy  the  privations  connected  with  my 


Y 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         57 

'  '■  ■■"».•  ,  ■       ■■ 

perilous  positions.  Perhaps  a  spiiit  of  adventure  was  important, 
laut  patriotism  was  the  grand  secret  of  my  success. 

Being  fatigued,  and  the  palms  of  both  my  hands  in  raw  flesh,  I 
thought  it  best  to  wait  a  few  days  before  setting  out  upon  another 
adventure. 

While  I  was  thus  situated  I  made  a  point  of  becoming  acquainted 
with  Nellie,  my  rebel  captive.  She  was  trying  to  make  herself  use- 
ful in  the  hospital,  notwithstanding  her  hand  was  very  painful,  often 
waiting  ujx>n  those  who  were  sufiering  less  than  she  was  herself. 
Her  pale,  pensive  face  and  widow's  weeds  seemed  to  possess  peculiar 
attractions  for  Dr.  E.,  and  her  hand  was  a  bond  of  mutual  sympathy 
between  them,  and  afforded  many  pretexts  for  a  half  hour's  couver< 
gation. 


CHAPTER  IX.  ^ 

Evacnation  of  Yorktown— Onr  Army  on  the  Double-Qaick — Pursuit  of  the 
Fugitives— The  Enemy's  Works— A  Battle— On  the  Field  —A  "Wounded," 
and  Not  Injured,  Colonel— Carrying  the  Wounded — Fort  Magrnder  Si- 
lenced— The  Victory  Won— JBurying  the  Dead--Story  of  a  Ring — Wound- 
ed Rebels — A  Brave  Young  Sergeant — Christian  Soldiers — A  Soldier's 
Death-Bed — Closing  Scenes — Last  Words.        ;•       ' 

The  next  day  the  continuous  roar  of  cannon  all  along  the  lines  of 
the  enemy  was  kept  up  incessantly.  "  Nor  did  it  cease  at  night,  for 
when  darkness  settled  over  the  encampment,  from  the  ramparts  that 
stretched  away  from  Yorktowu  there  were  constant  gushes  of  flame, 
while  the  heavy  thunder  rolled  far  away  in  the  gloom."    ^ 

A  little  after  midnight  the  cannonading  ceased,  and  a  strancre 
silence  rested  upon  hill  and  valley.  The  first  dawn  of  day  which 
broke  peacefully  over  the  landscape  discovered  to  the  practiced  eye 
of  Prof.  Lowe  that  the  intrenchraents  of  the  enemy  were  deserted. 
The  rebels  had  abandoned  their  stronghold  during  the  night,  and 
had  fled  toward  Richmond. 

The  news  spread  ti>roughout  the  Federal  army  like  lightning. 
From  right  to  left  and  from  center  to  circumference  the  entire 
encampment  was  one  wild  scene  of  joy.  Music  and  cheering  were 
the  first  items  in  the  program,  and  then  came  the  following  order: 

"  Commandants  of  regiments  will  pi*epare  to  march,  with  two  days* 
ratioiis,  with  the  utmost  liispatch.    Leave,  not  to  return." 

At  abouteight  o'clock  in  t  lie  morning  our  advance  guard  entered 
Yorktowji.  .  Thei»  ^yere  nearly  100  guns  of  different  kinds  and 
calibers  and  large  qitantjities  of  ammuaition.     The  road  pver  which 


c^ 


NURSE    AND    SPY. 


the  fugitive  army  passed  during  the  night  was  beat  up  into  mortar, 
knee  deep,  and  was  strewn  with  fragments  of  army  wagons,  tents  and 
baggage. 

The  Federal  troops  were  in  excellent  spirits,  and  pushed  on  after 
the  retreating  army  almost  on  the  double-quick.  In  this  manner 
they  kept  up  the  pursuit  until  toward  evening,  when  the  cavalry 
canie  up  with  the  rear-guard  of  the  enemy  about  two  miles  from 
Williamsburg,  where  a  sharp  skirmish  followed. 

Night  came  on  and  firing  ceased.  The  rebels  were  behind  their 
intrenchments,  and  our  army  bivouacked  for  thejiight.  The  cavalry 
and  artillery  forces  were  under  command  of  Gen.  Stonieraan ;  Gens. 
Heintzelman,  Hooker  and  Smith  were  in  command  of  the  advance 
column  of  infantry,  while  Gens.  Kearny,  Couch  and  Casey  brought 
up  the  rear. 

The  enemy's  works  were  four  miles  in  extent,  nearly  three-fourths 
of  their  front  being  covered  by  the  tributaries  of  Queen's  Creek  and 
College  Creek.  The  main  works  were  a  large  fortification,  called 
Fort  Magruder,  and  12  redoubts  for  field  guns.  The  woods  around 
and  inside  of  those  works  were  felled,  and  the  ground  was  thickly 
dotted  with  rifle-pits. 

The  battle  commenced  the  next  morning  at  7:30  o'clock.  Gen. 
Hooker  began  the  attack.  The  enemy  were  heavily  reinforced,  and 
made  a  desperate  resistance.  Hooker  lost  a  great  number  of  men 
and  five  pieces  of  artillery  before  Kearny,  Couch  or  Casey  came  up. 
The  roads  were  a  perfect  sea  of  mud,  and  now  it  was  raining  in  tor- 
rents. The  roar  of  battle  sounded  all  along  the  lines;  the  thunder 
of  cannon  and  the  crash  of  musketry  reverberated  through  the 
woods  and  over  tlie  plain,  assuring  the  advancing  troops  that  their 
Companions  were  engaged  in  deadly  strife. 

The  thick  growth  of  heavy  timber  was  felled  in  all  directions, 
forming  a  splendid  ambush  for  the  rebel  sharpsliooters.  The 
Unionists  moved  forward  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy's  works, 
steadily,  firmly,  through  ditch  and  swamp,  mud  and  liiire,  loading 
and  firing  as  they  \yent,  and  from  ever>' tree,  bush  and  covert  which 
could  conceal  a  man,  the  rebels  poured  a  deadly  fire  into  the  ranks 
of  our  advancing  troops. 

I  was  glad  now  that  I  had  postponed  my  second  visit  to  the 
enemy,  for  there  was  plenty  of  work  for  me  to  do  here,  as  the 
ghastly  faces  of  the  wounded  and  dying  testified. 

I  was  subject  to  all  kinds  of  orders.  One  moment  I  was  ordered 
to  the  front  with  a  musket  in  my  hands,  the  next  to  mount  a  horse 
and  carry  an  order  to  some  General,  and  very  often  to  take  hold  of 
a  stretdiier  with  some  Strong  man  and-  carry  the  woubded  from  the 
field.    ■     J:     .     .     ■  ' 

I  remember  one  little  incident  in  oonnectiou  with  my  experience 


-V 


-a 


..    -.     l 


1 


m 


f 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         «< 

that  day  whicb  I  shall  never  forget;  viz,  Col. >-  fell,  and  I  ran 

to  help  put  him  on  a  stretcher  and  carry  him  to  a  place  of  safety, 
or  wl)ere  the  Surgeons  were,  which  was  more  than  I  was  able  to  do 
without  overtaxing  my  strength,  for  he  was  a  very  heavy  man.  A 
poor  little  stripling  of  a  soldier  and  I  carried  him  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  through  a  terrific  storm  of  bullets,  and  he  groaning  in  a 
most  piteous  manner. 

We  laid  him  down  carefully  at  the  Surgeon's  feet,  and  raised  him 
tenderly  from  the  stretcher,  spread  a  blanket  and  laid  him  upon  it, 
then  lingered  just  a  moment  to  see  whether  the  wound  was  mortal. 

The  Surgeon  commenced  to  examine  the  case.  There  was  no 
blood  to  indicate  w^here  the  wound  was,  and  the  poor  sufferer  was  in 
such  agony  that  he  could  not  tell  where  it  was.  So  the  Surgeon  ex- 
amined by  piecemeal  until  he  had  gone  through  with  a  thorough 
examination,  and  there  was  not  even  a  scratch  to  be  seen. 

Dr.  E.  straightened  himself  up  and  said :  "  Colonel,  you  are  not 
wounded  at  all;  you  had  better  let  these  boys  carry  you  back 
asain." 

Tlje  Colonel  became  indignant,  and  rose  to  his  feet  with  the  air  of 
an  insulted  hero,  and  said: 

"  Doctor,  if  I  live  to  get  out  of  this  battle  I'll  call  you  to  account 
for  those  words."  To  which  Dr.  E.  replied  with  decision:  "Sir,  if 
you  arc  not  with  your  regiment  in  15  minutes  I  shall  report  you  to 
Gen.  H." 

I  turned  and  left  the  spot  in  disgust,  mentally  regretting  that  the 
lead  or  slecl  of  the  enemy  had  not  entered  the  breast  of  one  who 
seemed  so  ambitious  of  the  honor  without  the  effect.  As  I  returned 
to  my  post  I  mnde  up  my  mind  in  future  to  ascertain  whether  a 
man  was  wcv^ndod  or  not  before  I  did  anything  for  him. 

Ti'.e  next  I  came  to  was  Capt.  Wm.  R.  M.,  of  the  —  Mich.  Hia 
leer  was  broken  and  shattered  from  the  ankle  to  the  knee.  A9  we 
went  to  lift  him  on  a  stretciier  he  said : 

"  Just  carry  me  out  of  range  of  the  guns,  and  then  go  back  and 

look  alter  the  boys.     Mc and  L.  have  fallen,  and  perhaps  they 

are  worse  off  than  I  am." 

Oh,  how  glad  I  was  to  hear  those  words  from  his  lips.  It  con- 
firmed the  opinion  I  had  formed  of  him  long  before.  He  was  one 
of  my  first  acquaintances  in  the  army,  and,  though  he  was  a  strict 
disciplinarian,  I  had  watched  his  Christian  deportment  and  kind 
and  affectionate  manner  toward  his  men  with  admiration  and  in- 
terest. I  believed  him  noble  and  brave,  and  those  few  words  on  the 
battlefield  at  such  a  moment  spoke  volumes  for  that  faithful  Cap-  ' 
tain's  heroism  and  love  for  his  men. 

The  battle  was  raging  fiercely,  the  men  were  almost  exhausted, 
the  rebels  were  fighting  like  demons,  and  were  driving  our  troops 


.^ 


.^ 


60  NURSE    AND   SPY. 

back  step  by  step,  while  the  space  between  the  two  lines  was  literally 
covered  with  dead  and  wounded  men  and  horses.  One  tremendous 
shout  from  the  Federals  rent  the  air  and  fairly  shook  the  earth. 
We  all  knew  in  an  instant,  as  if  by  intuition,  what  called  forth  such 
wild  cheers  from  that  weary  and  almost-overpowered  army. 

"  Kearny !  "  was  shouted  enthusiastically  along  the  Federal  lines, 
while  the  fresh  troops  were  hurled  like  thunderbolts  upon  the  foe. 
One  battery  after  another  was  taken  from  the  enemy,  and  charge 
after  charge  was  made  upon  their  works,  until  the  tide  of  battle  was 
turned,  Fort  Magruder  silenced,  and  the  Stars  and  Stripes  were 
floating  in  triumph  over  the  rebel  works. 

The  battle  was  won,  and  victory  crowned  the  Union  arms.  The 
rebels  were  flying  precipitately  from  the  field,  and  showers  of  bullets 
thick  as  hail  followed  the  retreating  fugitives.  Night  closed  around 
us,  and  a  darkness  which  almost  equaled  that  of  Egypt  settled  over 
the  battlefield,  and  the  pitiless  rain  came  down  in  torrents,  drench« 
ing  alike  the  living  and  the  dead. 

There  lay  upon  that  crimson  field  2,228  of  our  own  men,  and 
more  than  that  number  of  the  enemy.  It  was  indescribably  sad  to 
see  our  weary,  exhausted  men  with  torches,  wading  through  mud  to 
their  knees,  piloting  the  ambulances  over  the  fields,  lest  they  should 
trample  upon  the  bodies  of  their  fallen  comrades. 

All  night  long  we  toiled  in  this  manner,  and  when  morning  came 
still  there  were  hundreds  found  upon  the  field.  Those  of  the  enemy 
were  found  in  heaps,  both  dead  and  wounded  piled  together  in 
ravines,  among  the  felled  timber,  and  in  rifle-pits  half  covered  with 
mud.  Now  the  mournful  duty  came  of  identifying  and  burying  the 
dead.  Oh,  what  a  day  was  that  in  the  history  of  my  life,  as  well 
as  of  thousands,  both  North  and  South.  It  makes  me  shudder  now 
while  I  recall  its  scenes. 

To  see  those  fair  young  forms 

Crushed  by  the  war-horse  tread,  \  ' 

The  dear  and  bleeding  oues 

Stretched  by  the  pUed-np  dead. 


Oh,  war,  cruel  war !     Thon  dost  pierce  the  soul  with  untold  sor- 
rows, as  well  as  thy  bleed!  n;r  -tims  with  death.     How  many  joyous  * 
hopes  and  bright  prospects  :...::  thou  blasted  ?  and  how  many  hearts 
and  homes  hast  thou  made  desolate?    "As  we  think  of  the  great 
wave  of  woe  and  misery  surging  over  the  land,  we  could  cry  out  io                 .: 
very  bitterness  of  soul,  Oh,  God,  how  long,  how  long?  "                                     > 

The  dead  lay  in  long  rows  on  the  field,  their  ghastly  faces  hid  "it 

from  view  by  handkerchiefs  or  the  capes  of  their  overcoats,  while  the 
faithful  soldiers  were  digging  trenches  in  which  to  bury  the  mangled  \ 

bodies  of  the  slain.    I  passed  along  the  entire  line  and  uncovered     , 


:;-u„.-;s«».3 . 


'i 


:^-f=^; 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        61 

every  face,  in  search  of  one  who  had  given  me  a  Small  package  the 
day  before,  when  going  into  battle,  telling  me  that  if  he  should  be 
killed  to  send  it  home ;  and,  said  he,  "  here  is  a  ring  on  my  finger 

which  I  want  you  to  send  to .     It  has  never  been  off  my  finger 

since  she  placed  it  there  the  morning  I  started  for  "Washington.  If 
I  am  killed,  please  take  it  off  and  send  it  to  her." 

I  was  now  in  search  of  him,  but  could  find  nothing  of  the  missing 
one.  At  last  I  saw  a  group  of  men  nearly  half  a  mile  distant,  who 
also  seemed  to  be  engaged  in  burying  the  dead.  I  made  my  way 
toward  them  as  fast  as  I  could,  but  when  I  reached  them  the  bodies 
had  all  been  lowered  into  the  trench,  and  they  were  already  filling 
it  up. 

I  begged  them  to  let  me  go  down  and  see  if  my  friend  was  among 
the  dead,  to  which  the  kind-hearted  boys  consented.  His  body  lay 
there,  partially  covered  with  earth ;  I  uncovered  his  face ;  he  was  so 
changed  I  should  not  have  recognized  him,  but  the  ring  told  me 
that  it  was  he.  I  tried  with  all  my  might  to  remove  the  ring,  bat 
eould  not.  The  fingers  were  so  swollen  that  it  was  impossible  to  get 
it  off.  In  life  it  was  a  pledge  of  faithfulness  from  one  he  loved,  ^'  and 
in  death  they  were  not  divided." 

The  dead  having  been  buried  and  the  wounded  removed  to  the 
churches  and  college  buildings  in  Williamsburg,  the  fatigued  troops 
sought  repose.  Upon  visiting  the  wounded  rebels  I  saw  several 
whom  I  had  met  in  Yorktown,  among  them  the  Sergeant  of  the 
picket-post  who  had  given  me  a  friendly  shake  and  told  me  that  if 
I  slept  on  my  post  he  would  shoot  me  like  a  dog.  He  was  pretty 
badly  wounded,  and  did  not  seem  to  recognize  me.    % 

A  little  farther  on  a  young  darky  lay  groaning  upon  the  floor, 
I  went  to  look  at  him,  and  asked  if  I  could  do  anything  for  him.  I 
'recognized  in  the  distorted  face  before  me  the  same  darky  who  had 
befriended  me  at  Yorktown,  and  to  whom  I  had  offered  the  $5 
greenback.  I  assure  my  friends  that  I  repaid  that  boy's  kind- 
ness with  double  interest.  I  told  Dr.  E.  what  he  had  done  for 
me  when  my  hands  turned  traitors.  He  was  made  a  special  object 
of  interest  and  care.     • 

Some  few  of  the  rebel  prisoners  were  gentlemanly  and  intelligent, 
and  their  countenances  betokened  a  high  state  of  moral  culture. 
Many  were  low,  insolent,  bloodthirsty  creatures,  who  "  neither  feai^ 
God  nor  regarded  man,''  while  others  there  were  who  seemed  not  to 
know  enough  to  be  either  one  thing  or  the  other,  but  were  simply 
living,  breathing  animals,  subject  to  any  order,  and  who  would  just 
as  soon  retreat  as  advance,  so  long  as  they  did  not  have  to  fight. 
They  did  not  care  which  way  the  battle  went. 

On  the  whole  there  was  a  vast  contrast  between  the  Northern  and 
Southern  eoldiexs  as  they  appeared  in  the  h(^pit^  but^peihapa 


^^il.^-^i^lCi:  ^:.c    LV^    -^ -.;,,■  .■  }!'■.- ^A'ii'ii.-A-^. 


6S  INURSE   AND   SPY. 

pre^dic^  had  something  to  do  in  making  the  rebels  appear  so  much 
inferior  to  our  men. 

In  passing  through  the  college  building  I  noticed  a  young  Ser- 
geant, a  mere  boy,  who  was  shot  in  the  temple.  He  attracted  my 
attention,  and  I  made  some  inquiry  coucerning  iiim.  He  was  a 
Federal,  and  belonged  to  the  —  Mass.  An  old  soldier  sitting  by 
him  told  me  the  foUowintj: 

" That  boy  is  not  16  yet.;  he  enlisted  as  a  private,  and  has,  by 
his  bravery  and  good  conduct,  earned  the  three  stripes  which  you 
see  on  his  arm.  He  fought  all  day  jestcrday  like  a  young  lion, 
leading  charges  again  and  again  upon  the  enemy.  After  we  lost 
our  Captain  and  Lieutenants  he  took  conr.uand  of  the  company, 
and  led  it  through  the  battle  with  the  skill  and  courage  of  a  yoimg 
Brigadier,  until  he  fell  stunned  and  bleeiling. 

"I  carried  him  off"  the  field,  but  could  not  tell  whether  ha  was 
dead  or  alive.  I  washed  the  blood  from  his  face;  the  cold  water 
had  a  salutary  effect  upon  him,  for  when  Hancock  and  Kearny  had 
completed  their  work,  and  the  cheers  of  victory  rang  over  the 
bloody  field,  h.e  was  sufficiently  revived  to  hear  the  inspiring 
tones  of  triunipli. 

"  Leaping:  to  Itis  feet,  faint  and  sick  as  he  wa?,  he  took  up  the 
shout  of  victory  in  unison  with  the  conquerors  on  the  field.  But 
he  had  scarcely  uttered  the  notes  of  victory  and  glory  when  his 
strength  deserted  him  and  he  fell  insensible  to  the  ground."  The  old 
man  added : 

"General  says  if  he  lives  through   this  he   will   go  into 

the  next  battle  with  shoulder  straps  on." 

I  told  him  that  I  was  glad  that  his  wound  was  not  mortal. 
He  thanked  me,  and  said  with  enthusiasm,  "I  would  rather  have 
been  killed  than  to  have  lost  the  battle." 

There  is  one  thing  that  I  have  noticed  on  the  field  of  every  battle 
that  I  have  witnessed,  viz:  that  the  Christian  man  is  the  best  soldier. 
Says  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  writing  upon  this  subject: 

"It  is  a  common  saying  among  the  officers  that,  as  a  class,  the  men 
Tvho  stand  foremost  when  the  battle  rages  are  the  Christian  men. 
Many  a  time  have  I  talked  with  them  about  such  scenes,  and  they 
have  told  me  that  their  souls  have  stood  firm  in  that  hour  of  strife, 
and  that  they  have  been  perfectly  calm. 

"I  have  had  Christian  Generals  tell  me  this.  I  have  heard  Gen. 
Howard  often  say  that  in  the  midst  of  the  most  terrific  portion  of  ilM 
battle,  when  his  heart  for  a  moment  quailed,  he  would  pause,  lift 
up  his  soul  to  God  and  receive  strength.  'And,'  said  he,  'I  have 
gone  through  battles  without  a  particle  of  fear,  I  have  thought  that 
Grod  sent  me  to  defend  my  country.     I  believed  it  was  a  Christian 


i. 


0m 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAH  AS*  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         63" 

duty  to  stand  in  the  foremost  of  the  fight,  and  why  should  I  be 
afraid?'" 

I  once  heard  an  eminently  f^'ous  lady  say  that  she  never  could 
reconcile  the  idea  in  her  mind  of  a  Christian  going  into  the  army 
to  fight ;  it  Tvas  so  inconsistent  with  the  Christian  character  that  she 
was  tempted  to  doubt  the  piety  of  all  fishting  men.  I  respect  the 
lady's  views  upon  the  subject,  but  beg  leave  to  differ  from  her,  for 
' '  I  believe  that  a  man  can  serve  God  just  as  acceptably  in  fighting 

the  enemies  of  liberty,  truth  and  righteousness  with  the  musket 
down  South  as  he  can  in  the  quiet  pulpits  of  the  North ;  in  fact,  I 
am  inclined  to  think  he  can  do  so  a  little  more  effectually  in  the 
former  place. 

I  only  wish  that  there  were  more  of  our  holy  men  willing  to  take 
up  the  carnal  weapons  of  warfare,  forego  the  luxuries  of  home,  and, 
by  setting  examples  worthy  of  emulation,  both  in  camp  and  on  the 
battlefield,  thus  strike  a  fatal  blow  at  this  unholy  rebellion. 

The  last  night  I  spent  in  the  hospital  before  leaving  Williams- 
burg I  witnessed  the  death  of  a  Christian  soldier,  a  perfect  descrip- 
tion of  which  I  find  in  the  "  Memorials  of  the  War" : 

**  It  was  the  hour  of  midnight,  when  the  Chaplain  was  summoned 
to  the  cot  of  a  wounded  soldier.  He  had  only  left  him  an  hour  be- 
fore, with  confident  hopes  of  his  speedy  recovery-^hopes  which  wer^ 
shared  by  the  Surgeon  aftd  the  wounded  man'  himself.  But  a  *ud-" 
den  change  had  taken  place,  and  the/Surgeon  had  come  to  say  tSiat 
the  man  could  live  but  an  hour  or  two  at  most,  and  tb  begHh^ 
Chaplain;  to  make  the  announcement  to  the  dying  man.  He  was 
soon  at  his  side,  but,  overpowered  by  his  ^mbtions,  was  utterly  unabl^' 
to  deliver  his  message*     '     • 

"The  dying  man,  however,  quickly  read  the  solemn  truth  in-tho 
altered  looks  of  the  Chaplain>  his  faltering  voice  and  ambiguous' 
words.     He  had  not  before  entertained  a  doubt  of  his  recovery.    He 
was  expecting  soon  to  see  his  mother,  and  with  her  kind  nursing" 
soon  to  be  well.     He  was,  therefore,  entirely  nnprepared  for  the* 
announcement,  and  at  first  it  was  overwhelming.  ; 

"'I  am  to  die,  then;  and^how  long ? '  As  he  had  before  ex- 
pressed hope  in  Christ,  the  Chaplain  replied :  '  You  have  made  your 
peace  with  God;  let  death  come  as  soon  as  it  will.  He  will  carry 
you  safely  over  the  river.' 

'• '  Yes ;  but  this  is  so  awfully  sudden,  awfully  sudden ! '  His  lips 
quivered ;  he  looked  up  grievingly.  'And  I  shall  no^  see  my 
mother.' 

***  Christ  is  better  than  a  mother,' murmured  the  Chaplain. 
•"Yes.'    ■  -     ■'     1    ■:    .      .     ;     ^     •     ;     T  .  .     J     f    I 

'       The  word 'came  in  a  whisper.     His  eVes  were  dlosted ;'  the  lips'still  ^ 

\Sfiii0  ihait  Ag€iabii»y  '^i^ie^i  as  if  the  chastisement  were  too  sore,  too 


64  2TURSE    AND   SPY. 

hard  to  be  borne,  but  as  the  minutes  passed  and  the  soul  lifted  itself 
up  stronger  and  more  steadily  upon  the  wings  of  prayer,  the  counte< 
nance  grew  calmer,  the  lips  steadier,  and   when  the  eyes  opened 
again  there  was  a  light  in  their  depths  that  could  have  come  only 
from  heaven.  ^ 

"  '  I  thank  you  for  your  courage,'  he  said  more  feebly,  taking  the 
Chaplain's  hand.  '  The  bitterness  is  over  now,  and  I  feel  willing  to 
die.  Tell  my  mother' — he  paused,  gave  one  sob,  dry  and  full  of 
the  last  anguish  of  earth — '  tell  her  how  I  longed  to  see  her ;  but  if 
God  will  permit  me  I  will  be  near  her.  Tell  her  to  comfort  all  who 
loved  me;  to  say  that  I  thought  of  them  all.  Tell. my  father  that 
I  am  glad  that  he  gave  his  consent  Tell  my  minister,  by  word  or 
letter,  that  I  thought  of  him,  and  that  I  thank  him  for  all  his  coun- 
sels. Tell  him  I  find  that  Christ  will  not  desert  the  pacing  soul, 
and  that  I  wish  him  to  give  my  testimony  to  the  living,  that  nothing 
is  of  real  worth  but  the  religion  of  Jesus ;  and,  now,  will  you  pray 
with  me?' 

"  AVith  swelling  emotion  and  tender  tones  the  Chaplain  besought 
God's  grace  and  presence ;  then,  restraining  his  sobs,  he  bowed  down  \ 

and  pressed  upon  the  beautiful  brow,  already  chilled  with  the  breath  ■    i 

of  the  coming  angel,  twice,  thrice,  a  fervent  kiss.     They  might  have 
been  as  tokens  from  the  father  and  mother,  as  well  as  for  himself. 

"  So  thought,  perhaps,  the  dying  soldier,  for  a  heavenly  smile 
touched  his  face  with  new  beauty,  as  he  said :  'Thank  you;  I  won't 
trouble  you  any  longer.  You  are  wearied  out ;  go  to  your  rest* 
'The  Lord  God  be  with  you ! '  was  the  firm  response.  'Amen,' 
trembled  from  the  fast  whitening  lips. 

"  Another  hour  passed,  still  the  Chaplain  did  not  go  to  rest,  but  \ 

retired  to  an  adjoining  room.     He  was  about  to  return  to  the  bed-  \ 

side  of  the  dying  when  the  Surgeon  met  him*  and  whispered  softly, 
'  He  is  gone.'     Christ's  soldier  had  found  the  Captain  of  his  salva-  •• 

tion,  and  received  his  reward."  ^  I 

i 

Tell  my  mother,  when  yora  see  her, 

That  I  fell  amid  the  strife; 
And  for  freedom  and  my  conntry 

I  haye  given  np  my  life;  ■ 

Tell  her  that  I  sent  this  messi^e  v^ 

Ere  ray  tongne  refused  to  speak,  •  •  V 

And  you  tell  her,  comrade,  won't  you?  ■  ( 

♦  Tell  my  mother  not  to  weep.  y^ 

'  •*' 

Tell  her,  comrade,  how  we  battled 

For  oar  country  and  the  right; 


Tell  her  how  they  straggled  for  it^ 


J 
i 

V 


ow  I  held  the  starry  banner  "  -    \ 

In  the  thickest  of  the  fight;  _    .  / 

>11  hf^r  how  thev  sfcrnecrled  for  it.  .  -      •  >. 


1 


.*     I 


ADTWTVSJSS  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER, 


( 


'  jnd,  Trith  corses  load  and  deep, .  ,  < 

Took  my  bosom  for  their  target-?         I     »     {  t    ' 


» •    . » 


(     !     [     r     •       Bat  you  tell  hernot  to  weep.  ;     1     i  / 

;    :    c    t    ,        ;    r  \      .■:\r;<^T   :    '  -■  P,{'     ■      '    \ 

Tell  her  I  held  np  the  banner  VV 

'Mid  the  screaming  shot  and  shell,      uh-  ' 
Till  the  fatal  leaden  missile  .        - 

Pierced  mj  side,  and  then  I  felL      ... 
Tell  her  I  was  ready,  waiting,  '' 

When  my  pnlses  ceased  ta  beat,       >     • 
And  I  longed  oaoe  more  to  see  her-«  ^  ■ 

Bat  you  tell  her  not  to  weep. 

Tell  her  that  the  traths  sbo^taagbt  m*  j 

Nerved  my  arm  and  led  my  feet^      *j^"  -     '      • 

And  I  trosted  in  the  promise  *  V 

'Mid  the  battle's  fiercest  heat.    ^  >  '^  ':' 

Tell  her,  while  my  life  was  ebbing. 

That  I  kissed  her  £ioe  so  sweet — 
Kissed  the  pictnre  that  she  gave  me— 
•       .  And  yoa  tell  her  not  to  weep.  > 


■-/■- 


Tell  her,  comrade,  when  you  see  htr, 
i  V  }     :  That  iny' battlefields  are  o'er, 

!  And  I've  gdnetojoin  an  army 

j     !  }      •       Wbere  rebellion  comes  no  more         i     i 

'  .  ■      ^    Tdl  Iwr  that  I  hope  to  greet  her, 
\  When  together  we  shall  meet, 

'        ■  :    In  that  be^r  home  in  h^ven, 

^  t  :  Where  we  never  more  shall  weep^ 


1.1 


CHAPTER  X. 

McClellan's  Dispatch  from  Swell's  Farm — Call  for  Reinforcements^it^Tewf 
from  Norfolk — Description  of  the  Merrimac — The  Engagement  in  Hamp« 
ton  Boads— Firdt  aftd  Last  Fight  of  tlye  Merrimac — Victory  of  the  Moni» 
tor— Advance  on  the  Penlnsala — The  Battle  Song— A  Mnddy  March — 0« 
the  Chickahomipy— Critical  Position  of  Gea  Banks— The  President's  Dis- 
patches—McClellan's  Keply. 

,  '■■•'•  ' "    '  '  "i"    '    ' '    ^f'  ■' 

On  |fae  tenth  of  May  Headquarters  were  established  Beyond  Wil-' 

Baii^sbbrif,  and    commuiiicatioiis  'were  op^ed   between  the  forbet^ 

^ovin^  by  land  and  |Water.    The  following  dispatch  Was  theli  sent 

by  pen.  McGlelian- to- Secretai^y  Stanton;  » 

2    NP  ."  ■'■":'■'-■':'--  .    :-     ; 


i'**^  ■•■•">  •-  .•;  ■•    .;  V*  .'■■>:•'''■'■•■'?• , 


y-^^ 


.--•■^ 


i      .       .•;V-,r     \l 


-.V:..'.    ..^*      -..:/■  ^r'j:   .  U     i  ,XAMI^:,A:^...|;FW<^.I>^(»c  «- s^-ff 

dt&tthe  epei)vy:^U  meet  us  with  all  his  force  cm  or  near  the^  phick^n;^Y.,v 
They  can  oonon^trat^  many  more  men  thui  I  have,  an4  ar6,^|j[|^ti^p  tropps  , 
finm  alliQuart^s,  especially  well  disciplined  troops  fro^^th!^^|j,jy^  ^,,€||su- 
afiies,  sickness,:£arrisons  and  guard?  have  much  reduced  pu^„ii\}i|i^l^^  and, 
w%  coittinue  to  do  so.    I  shall  fight  the  rehel  army  with  wj^a^e^^r  Jforce.I  |nay 
have,  but  duty  recpiiresme  to  urge  that  every  effort  be  nia4«|  |c>^,|f^ii^9rci^'^iBe, 
without  delay,  with  all  th»  disposable  troops  in  Eastern  yirra^i&  and JUjij^t  we 
a»cOitratp  all  Q^r  forces,  as  far  as  possible,  to  fight  the  gr«at,  l^t^Q  b^'^'I'l^' 
fending,  and  to, jnAke  it  decisive,  '' ■''  .^iS^.  ^^^  ^.^.^   ■  / 

*tt  is  possiUQfth^t  the  enemy  may  abuidon  Richm^^nd  .w\thoyt^j9i.  si!Bis[ouJS 
struggle,  but  I  do  not  believe  he  will;  and  it  would  be  unwise  t^^poimt  upon 
anything  but  a  stubborn  and  desperate  defense-ra  life  an(i-  eleatb  Q9fit.es,i,  I' 
see  BO  other  hope  for  him  than  to  fight  this  battle,  and  w^  mj^st  \^nj|^  .  IjS^ljall 
figl^.  thent  whi|!>t«v,er  their  force  may  be;  but  I  ask  for  ever^  ma^  t^i|;i^f  t^  De- 
partment can  send  me.    No  troops  should  how  be  left  unemi>Ioye4.'  ^ ,{'{ .  ,  ; 

"  ,ThQS«.who  cn^rtwn  theppipioi^  that  ^e  rebels  wi^,a|5«^(lo^^B)<^m^ 
withj?utja  .^biigglij,  are,  JR  i^y  j^idj^ajt,  badjy  jyl;\^<fd,^  a^„  d(\  Mi^.cjii^iprer,. 
henj thf^  ^tu^OH,  whiph  ^  o^p  rpqv»irin|r  ^para^  n^|p?!^t^.,,lj]^  J|aij 
(he  freside^igpd  §ec^ta|y  will|iatjiire|y  ^eig|i  wjjat  I  s^]  tfijidjeav^vs^ ' 


und^e  !^,  comply .^t^  ^^  requ^t.    If,I  am  iu>t  r eiri|c>^<^^  (^  is  |)rqte^Ie,^t . 
I  wiii  be  obliged' tq„fij^t  nejuply  Rouble  iny^ni^b^rj^  lirongj^f  «ji^p^bed.^.j^  ,'^ , 

FVgirj^y^>ter,he,wriWs^.  .•,•■-  ,-  i-  -r-  t:- "^^^  l.!^»...<  !f -"'  , 

•  Av^  fi«fe*l^^lf^y'  4«^^<^tti^.fer(^  WSy,S^^5i%wbatever  jqml^. 
wa&^^h&Tfe,jem%l  believe  Jlh^f  w^  sh^U  ^1[  th^ro j^but  oijr  4^uim)hjS||Qu|a^j . 
madf,  decisive  and  complete.    The  soldiers  of  this  army,   love  fiieu*'&^ 
ment,  aifjid  will  jfight  well  in  its  support    You  may  rely  jipop^  tli«P-  i  They 
have  confidence  in  me  as  their  General,  and  in  you  as  their  FresirfenC  '  i^lrbnir 
ranforcemmts  will  at  least  save  the  lives  of  many  of  th©h;^  the  .greater  pur 
force  the  more  perfect  will  be  our  combinatioim,  and  the  le^biif  loss^'   For 
obvious  reasons  I  beg  you  to  give  immediate  consideration  to  this'communi- 
catipl^,  aiid  to  inform  me  fully,  at  the  earli^t  moment,  of  your  |fin4l  d^ision." 

A  few  days'  rest  after  the  fatigues  of  the  battle,  and  the  gldriojui^ii^trifoXthe 
•valuation  of  I|7prfolk,  and  the  total  annihilaticm  of  the  Merrin|ac,  hf^l^aV^nd^r- 
ful  eSeciupon  the  spirits  of  our  troops;  they  seemed  iii§piredwim'rki^  courage 
and  eiitlii|siasm.  Hitherto  I  have  said  nothing  concerhitig  tlfat  gl'et^t  byg-  " 
bcM.  theJMerrimac.  Perhaps  some  of  my  "blue-nose"  readers  are  faPtso  well 
posted;  with^reigard  to  the  origin  and  structure  of  this  f6rmiilaiSe''f^l)<tf  batti^  ^ ' 
as  the  A&iericans.are,  and  it  niay  be  mteresung  to  some* W  I^fin^^a^^C 
deaanption  of*  it.  '        r  k        r 

"dpon  tfie  iMirfun^and  evadiation  of  Ibc  |^orfol|  N&'#Ya^'^h^Sta&    ' 
iucate  He^riiinac  was  scuttled  and  sunk,  by  order  of  Comir&dof^  uafcai&y?' 


i4 -^-^f: 

* .  ■ .   V, 

.       !•  V- 


ADVEIfTtTREg  OF  A  "♦TOMAN  AS  k  tNION  SOLDIER 


This  was  one  <lf  tie  moeft  m^gifificent  ships  in  the  American  Navy,  bdng 
ratcd'las  i  40^gUh  Mjjafe,^!  4,II00Abns  bdrd^.  *  She  wtis  built  in  Charlestown, 
Mti5s|,  in  li5$6,  indf  waa'c6nsfderdd  bhe  df  tHc  fFnest  speciAiedis  ofnavat^ardhi- 
tectujre  thm  afloat,  ^he  was  281  feet  long,  52  feet  broad,  and  dr^'23  feet  of 
water. '  Her  cheincs  were  of  800  horse  power,  driving  a  two-HSded  propeller 
14  feet  in  diameter,  and  so  adjusted  as  to  be  raised  from  the  water  when  the 
vessel  wais  driven  by  wind  alone.  Her  armament  consisted  of '24  nine-iiich 
sJieU  ijuns,  14  eigW-mch,  arid  t^  l(^-p6und  jMvot^j^  •   ^    ''      '    ^ 

'This  magnificent  structure  was  raised  by  the  rebels  and  cut  down,  leaving 
only  the  hull,  which  was  exceedingly  massive  and  solid.  Ov*r'  thiis  th^'  con- 
structed a  sloping  shield  of  railroad  iron,  firmly  plaited  together,  and  extend- 
ing two  feet  under  the  water.  Its  appearance  was  much  Iflie  the  sUn^g 
roof  of  a  house  set  upon  a  ship's  hull,  like  an  extinguisher^ 'the  ends  of  the 
vessel,  fore  and  aft,  projecting  a  few  feet  beyond  this  rooi.'  The  gun-deck 
was  completely  inclosed  by  this  shield!  and  notlu'ng  appeared  above  it  but 
a  shiirt  smokestack  and  two  flag-staffs.*    ■  '  _  ;/'/;9;--  •'•      ''  ' ' 

An  eye-Witness  gives  the  following  account  of  the  first  appearance  and  <tm-  ' 
flict  of  the  Mefrimac: 

"About  iioon  of  Saturday,  the  8th  of  March,  1862,  this  riionster  was  seen 
coming  around  Cririey  I^anH  from  'Norfolk,  accobipaniM  by  tWo^other  war' 
\cssels,  the  Jamestowii  arid  t^ortctown,  and  quite  a  littTe^flcfft  of  afriied  tugs. 
Tlie  i^errim&c,  with  h^  imposing  retinUe  iri  train,  headed  for  Newport  News,  ' 
wherHhere  was  a  NatfoQ^g«irrison,  guarded  by  t£ie  sailirig  frigatesr  the  Ciim- 
berland,  of  1,726  tons,  and  the  Oingress*  of  1,8;67  ion^  burdeh.   *     *•      ■      * 

"The  Mcrrimac  steamed  majestically  alone,  as  if  conscious' of  resistleiss 
strength,  «id  as  slie  passed  (he  Congress  discharged  a  single  brc^didside  into 
the  doonled  shii^  and  tkm,  leaving  her  i^  the  attention  of  the  Jamestown  and 
Yofktown,  made  directly  for  the  Cumberland.  When  the  Merrimac  wiss  witli- 
in  a  hundred  yards  of  the  two  frigates,  the^'^  both  discharged  thdr  tremekidous 
broadsides  against  her  armor. 

"The  mailed  monster  quivered  a  moment  under  the  fearful  concussion,  but- 
every  ball  glanced  from  her  slopirig  shield  like  the  wooden  arrows  of  the  Indian 
from"  the  hide  of  the  crociodile.    Her  ports  were  all  closed.    Not  deigriirig  to  pay  ' 
any  attrition  to  the  fierce,  but  harmless  assault  of  the  two  frigates,    she 
rushed  straight  forward  ui^  her  prey.  ■ 

"The  fornjidable  National  battcrj-  at  Newport  News  opened,  with  all  its  im- 
mense guns,  at  point:blank  range,  and  these  solid  shot  and  shells  also  glanced 
harmlessly  away.  On  rushed  the  silent  Mcrrimac,  with  not  a  soul  on  board  to 
be  seen,  true  as  an  arrow,,  and"  with  all  the  power  of  her  irresistible  weight, 
plunged  Iieadkm^  with  a  fearful  crash  into  the  side  of  the  helpless  frigate./ 
'The  iron  prow  of  the  assailant  struck  the  CutalWlarid  amidships,  crushirig 
in  her.si^e  with  a  mor^l  gash.  Then,  re-versing  her  engine,  and  not  even 
annoyed  by  .thes.  ctwanon-b^lls  rattling  ajjainst  her  impervious  mail  she  re- 
traced her  ?t«ps  a  few  rods  for  another  biitt.      '  J     I  i^       .     i 


'» 


i 


,.    .^nntSE  AND  pY. 


^f;i 


J 


"Camp  at  Ewell's  Farm, 
'T'hree  mUes  beyond  #illfeiiikbu^g,  A/ay  1(^^ 
^rtFro'm  tte  information  r'eaxjhing  me  from  eVerysourcfe;!  regard  ?t^^*ciftain 
^ttne  cpemy  will  Wet  us  with,  all  his,' force  qn  of  ncirf^ih'e^ChlcikahbhiinK''. 
They  can  concentrate  many  more  men  than  I  have,  and'  are  colloilmg  troops 
hDm  all  quarters,  especially  well  disciplined  troops  frbiA  t£e  Soiith.'  Casu- 
aSlAes,  sic^ess,  garrisons  and  guards  have  much  reduced  our  numbers,  and 
viil  continue  to  do  so.  I  shall  fight  the  rebel  army  with  Vhatever  forCe  I  may 
have,  but  duty  requires  me  to  urge  that  every  effort  be  made  to  reinforce  me, 
without  delay,  with  all  the  disposable  troops  in  Eastern  Virginia^  and  that  we 
teoeeatiait  all  our  forces,  as  far  as  possible,  to  fight  the' great  batde  now  im- 
pending, and  to  make  it  decisive. 

*lt  is  possible  that  the  enemy  may  abandon  Rictonond  without  a  serious 
Btrun^gle,  but  I  do  not  believe  he  will;  and  it  would  be  uhwise  to  count  upon 
anything  but  a  stubborn  and  desperate  defense— a  life  and  death 'contest  I 
see  BO  other  hope  for  him  than  to  fight  this  battle,  and  we  must  win  it.  I  shall 
fight  them  whatever  their  force  may  be;  but  I  ask  for  evtry  man  that  the  De- 
partment can  send  me.    No  koops  should  now  be  left  unemployed.' 

"Those  who  entertain  the  opinion  that  the  rebels  will  abandon'Bichmond 
inihout  a  struggle  are,  in  my  judjgmrait,  badly  advised;  and  do  not  COTiprc- 
heiifl  thdr  situation,  which  is  one  requiring' desperiate 'measures.'  'I  beg  th4t 
tfae'l*r6a(fent'and  Secret^  will  maturely  weigh  what  I*ay;  arid  leave?  nothing 
tmdoiie  to  comply  with \ny  request  If  I'am'not reikfofrced  it isprobablc that 
J  will  be  obliged'to  figh't  nearly  double  nly  numbci^  strongly  intfehdied."   ' 

Four  days  later  he  writes:  '"•'••     •• 

•  i  Will- Bg fit  the  encriiy,  whatever  their  force  iha\^  be,  wfth  whaiever  forcef^I 
may  have,  aitd  I  believe  that  we  shall  beat  them;  but  bur  triumf)h  should  be 
made  decisive  and  com'plete.  'The  sdldiers  of  fliis'army  love  their'^TGdverfa- 
ment,  and  will  fight  well  in  its  suppJort'  You  may  rely  up<to  tJiem.  They 
have  confidence  in  me  as  their  General,  and  in  you  as  theif  President  Strong 
reinforcements  will  at  least  save  the  lives  of  many  of  them;  the  greater  our 
force  the  more  pw-fect  will  be  our  combinations,  and^^ei^ss  our  loss;  For 
obvious  reasons  I  beg  you  to  give  immediate  consideration  to  this  communi- 
cation, and  to  inform  me  fully,  at  the  earliest  moment,  of  your  final  decision."  - 

A  few  days*"fet  after  the  fatigues  of  the  battle,  and  ibe  glorious  news  of  the 
evacuation  of  Norfolk,  and  the  total  annihilation  of  the  Merrimac,  had  a  wonder- 
ful effect  upon  the  spirits  of  our  troops;  they  seemed  inspired  with  niew  courage 
and  enthusiasm.  Hitherto  I  have  said  nothing  concerning  that  'great  bug- 
bear, the  Merrimac.  Perhaps  some  of  my  "blue-nose*  readers  are  not  so  well 
posted  with  regard  to  the  origin  and  structure  of  this  formidable  rebel  batteiy 
as  the  Americatis  are,  and  it  may  be  intereisting  to  s(»neto  listen- to  a  brief 
dfflcriptifen  of  it   ■  •    '•     '     "     -    '^    ■'     i     '.  '     '^   •'      .    '.    {    ■ 

"Upcm' the  burning  and"  evftcuatibh  of  tHe  Norf^k  Navy  Yar&,  -the  ^teeto 
frigate' Merrbnac  was  scuttled  and  dunk,  bp  order  of  ^Cknia^dofe-Macaalay. 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        W 

This  was  one  of  the  most  magnificent  ships  in  the  American  NaT\%  beuig 
rated  as  a  40-gun  frigate,  of  4,000  tons  burden.  She  was  built  in  Charlestown, 
Ma$?.,  in  1856,  and  was  considered  one  of  the  finest  specimens  of  naval  archi- 
tecture then  afloat.  She  was  281  fe«t  long,  52  feet  broad,  and  drew  23  feet  of 
water.  Her  engines  were  of  800  horse  power,  driving  a  two-bladed  propeller 
14  feet  in  diameter,  and  so  adjusted  as  to  be  raised  from  the  water  when  thie 
vessel  was  driven  by  wind  alone.  Her  armament  consisted  of  24  nine-inch 
shell  guns,  14  eight-inch,  and  two  100-pound  pivot  guns. 
.  "Thjs  raagiiificGnt  structure  was  raised  by  the  rebels  and  cut  down,  leavinj 
only  the  hull,  which  was  exceedingly  massive  and  solid.  Over  tliis  they  con- 
structed &  sloping  shield  of  railroad  iron,  firmly  plaited  together,  and  extend- 
ing two  feet  under  the  water.  Its  apj>eaTance  was  much  like  the  slanting 
royf  of  a  house  set  upon  a  ship's  hull,  like  an  extinguisher,  the  ends  of  the 
\(ssel,  fore  and  aft,  projecting  a  few  feet  beyond  this  roof.  The  gun-deck 
was  coinpletcly  inclosed  by  this  shield,  and  nothing  appeared  above  it  but 
a  short  smoke-stack  and  two  flag-staffs." 

An  eye-witness  gives  the  following  account  of  the  first  appearance  and  eon- 
fii:t  of  the  Mcrrimac:  ■  ■    • 

"About  noon  of  Saturday,  the  8th  of  March,  1862,  this  monster  was  seen 
ccniing  around  Craixey  Tsland  from  Norfolk,  accompanied  by  two  other  war 
^■asscls,  the  Jamestown  and  Yprktown,  and  quite  a  little  fleet  of  armed  tugs. 
The  MOrrimac,  with  her  imposing  retinue  in  train,  headed  for  Newport  News, 
where  there  was  q,  National  garrison,  guarded  by  the  sailing  frigates  the  Cum- 
berland, of  1,726  tons,  and  the  Congress,  of  1,867  tons  burden.  . 

"The.  Mcrrimac.  steamed  majestically  along,  as  if  conscious  of  resistless 
ctrength,  and  as  she  passed  the  Congress,  discharged  a  single  broadside  into 
the  doopiod  slijp,  and  then,  leaving  her  to  the  attention  of  the  Jamestown  and 
Yorktown,  made  directly  for  the  Cumberland.  When  the  Merrimac  was  with- 
in, a  hundred  yards  of  the  two  frigates,  they  both  discharged  their  tremendous 
broailsides  against  her  armor. 

"The  mailed  monster  quivered  a  moment  under  the  fearful  concussion,  but 
every  ball  glanced  from  her  sloping  shield  like  the  wooden  arrows  of  the  Indian 
from  the  hide  of  the  crocodile. .  Her  ports  were  all  closed.  Not  deigning  to  pay 
ahj- attention  to  the  ficrc«  but  harmless  assault  of  the  two  frigates,  she 
rushed  straight  forward  upon  her  prey. 

"The  formidable  National  battery  at  Newport  News  opened,  with  all  its  im- 
mense guns,  at  point-blank  range,  and  these  solid  shot  and  shells  also  glanced 
harmlessly  away.  On  rushed  the  silent  Mcrrimac,  with  not  a  soul  on  board  to 
be  seen,  irue  as  an  arrow,'  and  with  all  the  power  of  h.er  irresistible  weight, 
pltingAl  headlong  with  a  fearful  crash  into  the  side  of  the  helpkss  frigate. 

"The  iron  prow  of  the  assailant  struck  the  Cumberland  amidships,  crushing 
in  he^  side  with  a  mortal  gash.    Then,  reversing  her  engine,  and  not  even 
annoyed:  by  the  cannon-balls  rattling  against  her  impervious  mail,  ^he  re-  - 
traced  her  steps  a  few  rods  for  another  butt. 


Y 


NUESE  AND  SPY. 


'   'As  she  drew  bade  she  turned  her  broadside  to  the  wounded  Tictim,  and  <-' 

hurled  into  her  bofifom  a  mer^e^  vollej^  ot  slirot  ^(F  shell/ ^Tlte  d^iKferous 
■lissiks  tore  thuiough  the  ero#ded  shipi'huilinf;  h6r  i^a^l^e^gifhd  abcittt  her    ^  . 
decks,  and  scatterisK  mutilated  bodAs  ia  a!l  difectioi^i  i    ^ '  ^  ^   ■^■ 
'    "Again  gatiiering  headway,  she  crowded  on  all  steam  and  made  another 
plunge  at  the  Cumberland.    She  struck  directly  upon  the  former  wound,  and 
crushed  in  the  whole  side  of  the  ship  as  if  it  had  been  a  latticewoH^  of  teiths. 

Timben  as  strong  as  nature  emd  art  could  make  them,  Were  ^aiq)ed  and 
crushed  like  dry  twigs.  As  the  sun  went  down,  that  night,  orik  Hampton 
Roads,  every  Union  heart  in  the  fleet  and  in  the  fortress  throbbed  with  despair. 
There  was  no  gleam  of  hope.  The  Morimac  was  impervious  to  balls,  and 
oould  go  where  she  pleased.    In-the  morning  it  would  beeasy ' work  tor  her  to  -  ^ 

destroy  our  whole  fleet  She  could  then  shell  Newport  News  Mid  Fortress 
Monroe  at  her  Itisure,  setting  everything  conbustible  in  flames,  and  driving 
•very  man  from '^  the  guns. 

"That  morrow!  How  anxiously  we  waited  for  it!  How  much  we  feared  its 
results!  At  sundown  there  was  nothing  to  dispute  the  empire  of  tiie  seas  with 
the  Merrhnac,  and  had  a  land  attack  been  made  by  Magruder  then,  God  (mly 
knows  what  our  fate  would  have  been.  All  at  once  a  speck  of  ligb^^ieamed  on 
the  distant  wave;  it  moved;  it  came  nearer  and  nearer,  and  at  10  o'clock  that 
night  the.Monitor  appeared.  'When  the  tale  of  brick  is  doubled,  Moses  comes.' 

^1  iiev#  more-firriily  belfevefl  iri  special  prbvitfmde  tlferiVt^ 
ak^tics  were  converted,  and  said,-  'G«d  has  sent  ht)t?  ^^Bikhefw  liudgn^cant  - 
she  lobked;  she  was^but  a  speek  on  the  dark-blue  i^ve^t  Wght^  ^d  iali^osil  a^ 
laughable  object  by  day.  The  ertfemy  called^  her  a  Vheese^bb^  on  a  raft}*  and  "^ 
the  ccJmparison  is  a-  good  coie.  But  insignificatit  lis  she  appHArM,  she'ltevM  ' 
th«  Union'-fltset,  silekceii  tlje  r^l  mdister,  tod' evetottialfj?  catt*e4^hi»  tti/ coin-  * 
mit  suicided  "No  wonder  then  thai  the  ndwstltf  the  death  of  ^ite  f olmiii^ffte  foe  i 
caused  great  rejoicing  among  the  Union  troops."       *  ■    (n  ■(    q     i 

Orders  were  issued  to  continue  the  advtoce  up  the  Fi^insuia,^^uid  lis  the 
jubilant  troops  were  engaged  in  striking  tents  and  maiiihg  ^en^ki^biMury  prepa- 
rations consequent  upon  a  hurried  march,  'The  Battle  Sbngdt'tlrt  ftq)ubUc" 
was  being  sung  with  enthusiasm  throughout  the  encampment  bi|r  thousands ' 
of  manly  voices,  and  every  loyal  heart  seemed  inspired  by  the' gI(kious  senti- 
maits  which  it  contained.  •>   •  N'>.  a  >,■ 

Mine  eyes  have  seen  the  glory  of  the  coming  of  the'Lofd?"       ' 
He  is  trampling  out  the  vintage  where  the  grfepe  of  wratb  iir  stored; 
Ifo  hath  loosed  the  fateful  lightning  of  his  terrible  swift  i^wdltf; 
His  truth  is  marching  on. 

i     '       Chorus:     Glory,    glory,   hallelujah!  ''■•  i^^' 

''     '^     •     ^             Glory,    glory,  -haneliijah!    ;"  "^    »    iU  J-    4.  ■*-  ot 

Giory,    glory,    hafleluiah!    '-  j    *.  <«u3.»-  y,   sy 

"'    5        His  truth  b  taartthing  fan.'  *    '    '|  '''''  *  ^' 


./ 


^■^-^f^z^ 


*v^^^^^vV"  ••'-■<' 


;"•  I     .  .'■<■■-•.'  '■■ 


\       -■,..      ■  •■-.       ^         >*- 


{   ■■      i   '      S    I  I- 

ADYElimjBES  OF  A  WOUAN  AS  A  UmON  SOLZSEB.        ft 

^t^^'JN ^  Wi}#i^  ¥^  >^  al^r-'in  ^e  yveomg's  4ew»  a»d  dampfld     t 

vi:  ^t  »*     ii  V   ;  V  pis  day  is  inftrchiflig  0%  etc;  :  -    .% 

•.V.    --rv'-;^*  ->,:••';  -^.  •      -       •  •■—>•*  ■ . 

I-l^kve^4«Kl  *4er7f  gasped  writ  u  burnished  rows  of  steejj: 
^  Asys  d«al  wOx  mj  <oniemaets,  so  with  you  my  grace  shall  dwi; 

trei,Uw  Hero,  ,boi&  of  woaum,  crush  the  serpwt  wkh  his  hee^  '^- 

.":.:-  r^  .-•'   Since  God  is  mar  I 

He  has  fioimde!)  fc^h  the  trumpet  that  ^lall  never  call  rftrea^ 
He  is  si^^^ttHha  hearts  of  men  before  his  jttdsfmeat  sea^ « . 
,  Q,  be  9inft,jQy  soul,  to  answer  Him!    be  jubilant,  myloBO^l  -, 

Our  God  is  mapcMag  on,  etc  ^., 

in  the  beauty-ol  th,e  lilies  Christ  was  bom  across  the  sea,  ^ 
With  a  ^loryin  his  bosom  that  transfigures  you  and  me: 
As  hediedlPiQ<^&i)^o  holj^  let  us  die  to  make  men  free; 

•  •*     ^  ..V  <.^  >    i*  .^*  WhiJe  God  is-mMclang  on,  etc.-  ^ ;:     ? » , 

l^he  roads  wcrfiso^ndf^cribaj^y  bad  at  thisf  tiipe  that  thi^  army  coadd  bmH 
bui^Utdie  i^ogress,'  J,  reno^be^  it  required  36  h9ur^  for  onfB  train,  to,  aopon* 
plis)^  t^  di^tanc^tQf  ^vejni)$8..  However,  jftfta:  several  (sUiys'  ^^n£f»g  thraogh 
mu4  and  wi^r,  ^  ^oops  reaqhedi^  the  White  House,  \i[here  a  p(Niii(»|.  of  tha 
arn^y  ren^jixfi^  f<jf  ajtimie,  )^Jtiilf  the  advapcejguards  pu^ed  on  to,:IJ^$  Chick* 
abopuiV^B^yeif^ai^  estajjlislie^Heidquart^s  aV&>ttom!s  BHdgerri^rluithqp 
profrec^  bi|i(t^  in^pec^  l)y  )^e  des^uction,  of  Ihcvbridgeby  .the.reb^ 

The  positik>n  of  the  troops  were  as  follows:  "Stoneman's  advance-guard 
one  mile  frop  New  Bridge^  Franklin's  C<Hps  three  miles  from  New  .Aridg^ 
with  Porter'trCor]^  Ia  advancing  distance  in  its  rear;  Sunmer's  Corps  on  tha 
railroad,  j^iQutv^ee  n^les^rom  the  Chickahominy,  connecting  tiie  right  wi^ 
the  left;  Keyef's  op.  New  J^Cent  road,  near  Bottom's  Bridge,  with  Heintcdman'f 
Corps  at.supporti^g  distance  in  its  rear."  The  ford  was  in  possession  of  the 
Federal  troojps,  and  a  reconstruction  ot  the  bridge  was  immediatdy  commenced. 

On  the  24th  of  May  the  two  following  di^Mtches  were  received  by  Gen.  Hd- 
Clellan  freni  the  President:  "I  wish  you  to  move  cautiously  and  saMy.  Y«a 
will  have  amme^dglvMcDowell  precisely  as  you  indicated  in  your  dispfitch 

to  us.*. ;^,^.,:;^'^  J  '        .'./■'  r...-, 'J""       - 

"In  c<M)ii^utoce  of  Gen.  Banks's  critical  position,  I  havebeeiiopn^MOed  to 
suspend  Gea.  McDowell's  movement  to  join  you.    The  enony  are  i—lriiig  « 
desperate  push  upon  Harper'^s  I^enj,  and  we^ra  trjring  to  thraw  Gen.  Fre- 
mont's fcffce  And  part  of  Ga)u,Md)oweirs  in  tli^  rear."  * 
On  the  25th,  the  President  fdsq-se^t  the  f^lbfring  toLMcClellaa; 
The  wemy  is  moving  North  in  Aifficient  Logo  to  drive  Gen.  BaBbs  befora 


' j&;l  \:i?.?*^  '''■  Xr,  X^^ 


Eb...  ti    A. 


V 


*•  NURSE  AND  SPY. 

■  '.-V   ■■'.     0     i      >     .\i     ■■    ;      )     V      ■  ■  '      1     y     'f'-'-'    - -•  "  '-■.(.'■ 

him;  precisely  in  what  force  we  cannot  leli.  He  is  also  tnreatemnf  Leeshiirs 
and  Geary  on  die  Manassas  Gap  Railroad,  from  north  and  &}uth,'  I  think  the 
movement  is  a  general  and  boricerted  one— s^ch  as  would  nol"  be  if  fte 'was 
acting  upon  the  purpose  of  a  very  desperate  defense  of  liichmond.  I  think 
the  time'  i^  near  when  ypu  must  either  attack  Richmond  or  give  up  the  job,  and 
come  to  the  defense  of  Washington.    Let  me  hear  from  you  instantly." 

To  which  McClellan  replied:  "Telegram  received.  Independently  of  it, 
the  time  is  very  near  when  I  shall  attack  Richmond.  The  object  of  the  nrove- 
ment  is  probably  to  pfevent  reinforcements  being  sent  to  me.  All  the  infor- 
mation obtained  ^u^ree  in  the.  statement  that  the  mass  of  the  rebel  troops  are 
still  in  the  vicinity  of  Richmond.  "  ',■' 

"I  have  no  knowledge  of  Banks's  position  and  force,  nor  what  there  is  a 
Manassas;  therefore  cannot  form  a  definite  opinion  as  to  the  forces  agtlinst 
him.  I  have  two  cbr|»  acro%  Chickahoniiny,  within  six  milted  of  Richm6nd 
the  others  on  this  side  at  other  crossings,  within  same  distance,  and  ready  to 
cross  when  bridges  are  completed." 


*. 


■•"       ■■-.-■;-■.:•-     "■.■■■•;>■■  ^■..       r    .5     i^-- ^     •<."■•■:■•-.■.  rt.    1  •,  i  -  .i' 

■  ■■"'   -■'■'  ■>   ■!■-.■   CHAPTER  Xli   ••-  V   •■v:'^   -^-t- -a  .  ..•: 

■  '  ■■■■'.■•>    ■■^■'..    \'-H-    .'•  •      ■..  •     !.     ■--'■'!  :vt-'-- -J  ■.'•?■  ^'• 
Another  Disgjiise— I  ^ecpme  aii,Jfish  Peddler— Fever  fk^d^  A^i^er;-A  Nigl^t  of   - 

..  Suffering,  in  the  Swamtp-^Retr.ospection- I^ost  in  the  ^wi^'p— ^aji^bii'My 

.  Guides— A  Sick  R*bel— I.  Find  Spm^thirig^  ;Bjkt--!^y^^^^ 

pathy  for  Suffering— Talk  With  a  Dying  Rebelr^A  .^ill^gi^I^^j^ra^M^^ 

■  Extemporizing  a  Lightt— The  Last  HQur-;-S.oldiers,jof  phrBt-rTfaje  Cjiaiaber  . 

'.of' Death.    .  .',  .     ,        \   .    '  .  "-    ",  '  '  ./'    '  -    '..  '-  '     ' 

•   .'    .     .  '^,  ,   ^,     ■       ■  •      • 

Willie  all  these  preparations  were  goin^  forward,  I  was  meditating^  fknother    ' 
visit  to  the  jcbel  camp.    It  was  not  safe  for  mc  to  af tempt  to  pjiilm  i^tyseif  off . 
again  on  the  rebels  as  a  colored  boy. .  In  the  first  pUce,  I  shovdd'be  in  danger 
of  being  recognized  as  the  cowardly  picket  who  deserted  hb  post— a  ^rime 

.  worthy  of  death;  and  in  the  next  place,  I  should  be  in  imminent  dani^er  of  blister- 
in  7  niy  haiids  again — a  thing  which  I  felt  particularly  anxious  to  avoid, 
espxiolly  in  pa^orming  labor  that  would  enable  the  enemy  more  successfully 
to  repel  the  attacks  of  the  Federals.  '     >•  .  . 

Now  a  new  disguise  was  necessary;  I  decided  to  abandon  the  African  re- 
lation and  assume  that  of  the  Hibernian.  Havinf  l\ad  this  in  view'  before 
leaving  Williamsburg,  I  procured  the  dress.and  outfit  of  am  Irish  female  p^dfer  " 

^oUowmg  the,  army,  selling  cakes,  pies,  etc.,  togetha  with  a  XMHisuteraltle 
•H^oui^iff  brc^uC)  and  a  set  of  Irish  phrases,  which  did  rauc^  toward  character- 
izing mc  as  one  of.the  "rale  ould  stock  of  hag-trotters."  .;     .     ..   ) 
Tbe  bridges  were  not  fihished  across  the  Chickabominy  when  I  was  reaidy 


Wl 


.      '  V  -  " 

ADYENTUMES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         71 

to  cross  the  river,  so  I  packed  up  my  new  disguise  iii  my  cake  and  pie  basket, 
and  my  horse  Prank  and  I  took  a  bath  in  the  cool  water  of  th^  Chickahominy. 
jyter. sypnming~-mv  noble  steed  fM:r(xss  tne.  river,  I  dismomit^,  and  Ira  mm  to 
ihe  eogce  of,uie  wat^-^ave  ^uu  a  farewell  i)at,  and  let  hun  swii^  b£ck  dg^ln 
to  th9  other  s&agi,  |pn«'e  a  soldier  awaited  his  return. 

,r  rf  was,,now"ey«ui^;  I  did  not  know  the  precise  distaiic^  to'iBe  &ktxa!^'9    . 
pidiet^^e,  l>^'t  tiibi^ht-it  bicst  to  avoid  the  roads,  and  consisquehtly  T  rilust 
spoid  tihe'night  in  the  swadip,  as  the  only  safe  retreat    It  required  some  little 
time  to'cion  my  a]iMuis&  and  fed  at  home  in  the  clothes.    Ithdiight  the  best 
place  fQr;i^y  debut  was  the  Chickahominy  Swamp.  .  :'  * 

r  did  pQi  ^ur^i^*^  ti^s  time,  to  pass  the  memy's  lines  in  Uic  niight,  but  to 
presem  mysett  ai'the  pi^ket;line,  at  a  reasonable  hour,  imd  ask  admi£t$i<M  as 
one  of  the  fugitives  of  that  section  flying  from  the  approach  of  the  YtUlkees, 
w^'Ch  was  a  usual  tt^  " " '    *■*"  '—^'^- 

m  flz^^g.^e  hvvc  T  had  my  basket  strapped  on  my  b&ii,  i^d'did  not 
know  tb^tiUITt''^]^i^ed  was  completely  dr^^  until  I  required  to  us«  its 
contents,  ,'lt  was,  tberefore,  witii  feeluigs  pf  dread  and  disappointment  that  I 
discovered  this  sad  fact,  for  I  had  been  suffering  from  slight  isigite  dhills  dtifmg 
the  day,  and  feared  the  consequences  of  spending  the  night  in  wet  clothes, 
especially  in  that  malaria-infested  region.  However,  there  was  no  alternative, 
and  I  was  obliged  to  make  the  best  of  it.  I  had  brought  a  patch-work  quilt 
with  me  from  the  hospital,  but  that,  too,  was  wet  Yet  it  kept  oS  some  of  tht 
chill  night  air  apd  the  miasmatic  br^tl^  o{>that  "dismal  swamp." 

The  remraabrance  of  thd  sufferings  of  tiiat  night  seem  to  be  writtoi  upon  my 
'"ii&kB^tSW^fiffiti^t  iron.'  Th'Irel  was;  all  albni,  sorwkindted  'by  Irdrie, 
'y^  tiiMe^^'f^i&'^aii  Wfld  beaiiis-4by<4)I<lK>d4fe^ty  ^v^db-'-^hb  con- 

'  *  <y^tiia^kfl^4itf«^iM  b^  s^^eH^  (fhills  be^$^ikkhle«rii>tibtti  o^Wen 

conception,  e^^cept  by  those  who  have  experienced  the  freezing  sensation  of  a 
genuine  ague. philL  During  the  latter  part  of  the  night  the  other  extreme  pre- 
sentiki  i^ef^1rise«m  as  if  I  should  roast  alive,  and  not  a  single  drop  of  water 
to -cool  ioay  j>alfc^edt*&iijiijie;  it  Was  eiidugh  to^ake  any  one  think  of  the  "rich 
nJan**  dhfie  iS^e;  anS^ln  sympathy  with  his  feelings  ciy  ib  "Father  Abra- 
hi^nr''fOT'^«is!S^        ■         ,        .^  ■     '    ■';■        "  •;  '  ' 

*  My  minJ1&^|E«iB'tp  w  and  I  became  quite  defii'ious.    There' seethed  to  " 

De  the^orrors  pf%  tiioiiiiahd  dieaths  itoncentrated  arbund  me;  I  Was  tortured  by 
fienlls  of'  every  coiickvable  shape  aod  magnitude.  Oh,  how  ^t  makes  me  shod- 
der  to  recall  the  scenes^  which  my  imagination  oOn'jured  Uji^  during  thoiii^'Hark, 
weary  hoursT  i^r^tig  at  la^t  caqie,  eUSd  t  "trak  aroused '  frohi  the  hoTrrible 
night-ihare  whIcA,hiM'pairy         my''&tenses  through  the  night,  by  the  toar  oS 

""  iSv^P^^alf  iiOm^  fiii'fjdiiii^  ^U^%n4le  toftdV&^e^^r^l^ 

%iifi5iirai^'^%»ifV1^     a»uk>le  W'a£d  n6th&g%T&  U^Wfitiif^^ai 

.fe.:-«    J-    .■(}    >, ..••>;.  h     i  -i'    m:.  !<  -a     f.  ■(£.^;_wy 


\ 


»« 


711 


NURSE    AND   SPY. 


but  my  own  thoughts!  T  looked  upon  the  surrounding  'SCenery,  and' 
pronounced  it  very  unromantic;  then  my  eye  {ell  upon  my  Irish 
costuihe,  and  I  began,  to  remeniber  th6  fine  phrases  whieh  hhad  tak^nsolbucb 
pains  to  learn,  when  the  perfect  absurditj' of  any  poi^tiom  ruslicd  over  my  mind 
with  overwhdmihg  force,  and  the  ludifcrOiSsntss^f  it  made  me,:fortlManoBient, 
forget  my  Idmer^ble  condition,  and  with  one  uncontrollable  burst  of  laughter 
I  made  that  swamp  resound  in  a  manner  vwhieh  would' havedonecredit  to  a 
person  under  happier  circumstances,  and  in  a  better  state  of  htalth. 

That  mood  soon  passed  away,  and  I  began  a  retrospection  of  my  past  life. 
It  certainly  had  been  an  eventful  one.  Itook  great  interest  in  carefully  trac- 
ing each  link  in  the  chain  of  circumstances  which  had  brought  me  ta  the  spot 
whereon  I  now  lay,  deserted  and  alone,  in  that  notorious  Ghickahominy  Swamp. 
And  ere  I  was  aware  of  it,  I  was  sighing  over  a  few  episodes  in  my  past  history, 
tind  mentally  saying,  well,  only  for  this  intense  love  of  adventure,  such  and 
such  thiiigs  "rnight  have  been,"  and  I  should  now  be  rejoicing  in  the  honorable 

title  of ,  instead  Of  "wasting  my  sweetness  on  the  desert -air,;"  in  the 

fAlerness  of  the  Peninsula.  .    i  , 


-/•■ 


Of  all  the  sad  words  of  tongue  or  pen, 

The  saddest  are  these — "it  might  have  been-." 


■ij.-. 


:  The  cannonadifig  was  only  the  result  of ■  a  i-econnoissance,  and 'in  a  few 
liours  ceased  altogd.her;  But'  not  so  my  fever  and  chills; -they  i^rdre  miy  con- 
stant companions  for  two  days  and  two  nights 'in  suc<;esdlorfc:  At  the  end  of 
that  time  I  was  an  object  of  pity.  With  no  mtedicihe,  ntf  f  ood,  and  consequently 
little  strength,  I  was  nearly  in  a  state  of  starvation!  My  pie^.aiKl  cbkeS'weire 
spoiled  in  the  basket,  in  consequence  of  thi  dfendhing  they -^had -received  in 
crossing  the^  river,  and  ndw  I  hHd  no  means  of  jM'ocUring  fOod.  Bu4  some- 
thing must  be  done;  I  Could  not  bear 'the  thdlight  6f  thus  starving- to  deathr^in 
that  inglorious  manner;  better  die  upon  the  scaffold  at  Richmond,  or  be  shot 
by  the  rebel  u^ckets;  anything  but  this.  So  I  thought  and  said,  as  I  ralUed  all 
my  remaining  strength  to  arrange  my  toilette  preparatory  to  emefg^ing  from 
my  concealment  in  the  swampV 

It  was  about  9  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  third  day  after  crbsi^ng  the  fiver, 
when  1  started,  as  I  thought,  towards  the  enemy's  lines,  and' a  more  broken- 
hearted, forlorn-looking  "Bridget"  neve^ef t  "ould "  Ireland"  than  I  appeared 
to  be  that  morning.  I  traveled  from  that  time  until  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
and  was  then  deeper  in  the  swamp  than  when  I  started.  My  head  or  brain 
was  completely  turned.  I  knew  not  which  way  to  gq,  nor  did  I' know  ea^ist 
from  west,  or  north  from  south. 

It  was  a  dark  day  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  and  I  had  neither  stui  nor  com- 
pass to  guide  me.  At  5  o'clock  the  glorious  bboming  of  caiAion  reverberated 
tnrough  the  dehse  wilderness,'  arid  to  me,  at  th&t  hour,  it'*as' the  sweetest  and 
most  soul-iuspiriu^  music  that  ever  greeted  my  eai^.    I  now  tum^  ihy  facer- in 

'  '<         I.         r  '        »         -.  ,         ■ , 

'      ■'      ■""      -       '  '         ^      (        .       I      X       I      5        V      .,       ..      T     .1      .  U 


i 


1 


'     •        ^  \  I  .if-  a   ^.   ^h  '--'-■  .  '^ ^    _^  ':/'•■ 

ADYENTUBE8  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         73 

the  directicnLbf  the  scenes  of  ;flcti0n,r:an^  was  not.Ioni;  in,  extricating  my§el^ 
from  the  deserkwhichihad- so  long  enveloped- i^e.  ..,,.. 

sSoon aitdr  emer^ng^ from  .the  swamp  1  saw, -in  the  distrr-ce,  a  ^mall  white 
house,  and  thither  I  bent  my  weary  footst^s.  I  found  i<  deserted,  with  the 
exception  <rf  a  sick  rebel  soldier,  who  lay  upon  a  straw-tick  on  the  floor,  in  a 
helpless  condition. 

I  went  to  him,  and  asisuming  the  Irish  brogue,  I  inquired  how  he  came  to  be 
left  alone,  and  if  I  could  render  him-any  assistance.  He  could  only  speak  in  a 
low  whisper.,  and  with  much  difficulty  said  he  had  been  ill  with  typhoid  fever 
a  few  weeks  before,  and  had  not  fully  recovered,  when  Gen.  Stoneman  attadted 
the  rebels  in  the  vicinity  of  Cold  Harbor,  and  he  was  ordered  to  join  his  com- 
pany. He  participated  in  a  sharp  skirmish,  in  which  the  rebels  were  obliged 
to  retreat;  but  he  fell  out  by  the  way,  and  fearing  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
Yankees,  he  hcMd  crawled  along  as  best  he  could,  sometimes  on  his  hands  and 
knees,  until  he  reached  the  house  in  which  I  found  him. 

He  had  not  eaten  anything  since  leaving  camp,  and  he  was  truly  in  a  starv- 
ing condition.  I  did  not  dare  to  say  to  him  "ditto,"  with  regard  to  poor  "Bridget's" 
case,  but  thought  so,  and  realized  it  most  painfully.    He  also  told  me  that  the 
family  who  had  occupied  the  house  had  al^ndoned  it  since  he  came  there,  and 
1     thatjthey  had  left  ^m«  flour  ftndcominjeal,^  but  had  not  time  to  cook  anything 
for  him.. ;  This  .was  gqod  news  fornie,  and, .exhausted  as  I  was,  Isoon  kindled 
a  firf,  and  in  les@  than  15^  minutes  a  large  hpe-ceike  was  before  it  in  process  of 
bitkiogr-and  a^uee-pan  of  water  heating,. for  there  was  qo  kettle  to  beiound. 
After  .^^rching  about^the  premises,  I  found  some  lea  packed  a'njay  in  a  small 
bas^^:>^ith  .sonie  earthenware,  whicli  tjbe   family   had  forgotten  to  take 
'   with  thtm.    Wy  cake  being  .cooked,  a;id  tea  macie,  ,1  fed  the  poor  famished 
tebej^ttwiderly  as  if  hejhad  bepn  my  broker,  ai^d  he  seemed  as  grateful  for 
:-        my  kindness,  and  thanked  me  with  as  much  politeness  as  if  I  had  been  Mrs. 
Jeff  Davis.  - 

The  next  important  item  was  to  attend  to  the  craving  of  my  own  appetite^ 
which'  I  did  without  much  ceremony.  - .        .  i  --^ 

After,  minting  my  toilet  and  adjusting  my  wig  in  the  most  approved  Irish 
style,  I  appnipached.the  sick  man,  and  for  the  flrst  time  nqticed  his  features  and 
■general^appcarance.  He  was  a  man  about  35  years  of  age,  was  tall,  and  had  a 
slight  .figjire,  regular  features,  dark  hair  and  large,  mournful,  hazel  eyes; 
altogether  jhe  was  a  very  pleasing  and  intelligent-looking  man.  • 
•  I  thought  him  quite  an  interesting  patient,  and  if  I  had  had  nothing  more 
important  lo  attend  to,  I  should  have  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  caiing  for  him 
until  he  recovered.  It  is  strange  how  sickness  and  disease  disarm  our  «ui- 
tipatihy  van4  reflioye  our- prejjjdi^es.,  ,  ,  , 

/  T^r«  lay*  befpre^me  an  ,(3n^y  ,to  tjie  Qoyernmei^t  for  which  I  was  daily  fipd 
williTigl jf  expo«ing;.an3[  liff  and  sulTering  unsp^kable^  priyation;  he  may  have 
l-ecn  the  very  man  who  took  deadly  aim  at  my  friend  and' sent  the  cruel'buuet 
through  his  temple:  and  yet,  as  I  looked  upon  him  in  his  helpless  condition,  I 


i 


.>i-:Tt 


JV'-il 


on-    Jt   .r}A  li:-.!"-)-    *  If'v  s?,Ha-''T-'?S'^^C:^:.-/' 


T4 


y-'.  :*■■ 


did 


NUESE   AND   SPY. 

"»i    1}  -  "fiv  yi  -fi--  '»iv  ■/'-'  or   uv  r.  ■■'«» 


«.' 


duo^feelt^^ll^t^respl^eiit,  or  c^iiertain  an  uiflcmd  ihou^htij^t^hi^.^^ , 
peTSoaaU»:bHt  l^k^.  uop^  hipjpniy  as  an  ^^ 
sad eenditipncalled fort^ t%b^t fMpaigs^of  my natufe,^^d I Ij)^^ to j-es.^;!?  ^ 
him  to  health  and  str^gth;  not  cpnsidimns  thai  the  yjN^.  he0||h  j&nastren^tli* 
which  I  wished  to  secure  for  him  would  be  employed  ag&mst  ttie  caiis^  Vhich 

I  had  espoused.  >^."-,^,fv.?  ,?„,,•  -J- 

I  had  a  gre^V desire  tp  know  mpre  of  this  man  who^had  ap  ^irahgel^  cfklled,^ 
forth  my  sympathies,  and  finding  that  he.  had  growt)  stinger  §ubceQe,iia(i, 


almost  univ!Brsa|,amoi>g  the  Southerners.    I  darM  not  ekivess  ]^y'i$ehtimeaiu  ' 
in  vpry  strong  terms,  but  gently  interrogated  him  wiui  jrcg^Jl  tp,  the  .right . 
which  he  claimed  the  rebels  had  to  take  up  armis  agaij^t  thjs  JJm^;  Sta^' 

Goternment.  .,.  .;,  -,-:/-..■,»«         v 

At  length  I  asked  him  if  he  professed  to  be  a  Soldier  bl!  the  Crossj,,hftfieplied' 
with  emotion  and  enthusiasm,  "Yes,  thank  GodI  I  h&ve  fpugm  j^^ASPP'^  .^^4eri 
the  Captain  pf  njy.Sal^ation  than  I  have  yet  done  under  t(<?ffl)a,v^,"  ,- 

Chrjjgt,  ,co;ii$picAtip«sly  gad  .OTMistai|ly  ^uphold  the  j^UtigUon.of.sl^very^r.^ 
He;^4€|  ijip^cply, .huffiie^  thpse^mpurnful :ey,^  v^'&^e^{"' 


i|,  Bijidget,  ypu  have  ^uj 
e^^andl^iipwihaf^^j 


<VP}^r 


ftlso  conocinn 
,  copr^^^on     W  uncp^ojis^  fo^^^^^       "^mpKm 
and  I  thought  that  the  sick  man  began  to  su&Deci  that 


pre^pxi,  ftfjinuqh  9S|  to  say;,  ;^h 
rh((?h  jny  ow];i  l^t  fohdemiw^me^^ 


het^tt.aiDd' 

ni.t||is^j^..  ^  ^_.^^  . 

Hibernian  accent,  and  I  thought  that  the  sick  man  P%e#  to  |^u^K(a  |;£»|| 
wa^,n<^t.  wha^  nj^appearence  indigat^d.,  ,It  ato<^|^e  ^A^j^.  fe 
soon,  recovered  njy  co^aposure,  after  steppihg.Brwv^and^i^afl^pj^l^ 
for  he  was  fast  sinking,  and  the  little  strength  wMch  he  $eeme^  j^^hu^ 
tims before  vras  nfjarly  exhftystedv,  .  .  ,^  \.  .„  i,.V '  -       ,  ., 

After  studying  my  countenance  a  few  mommtj,  ,he/^e^  me^l^'pr^y  Tjfith     ' 
hinu    I  did  not  dare  to  refuse  the  dying  mauci's  je^U^^J;,  n^^^  » 

prQ^ifphiny.M4ker  hi  an  as^med  toiie  of  voice;  so  I  inieli,i|oi^  h«^  ' 

in  my.QTpi  |:ifttur^.  voice  breathed  a  brief  andeuiiffitpriijeTfpr^hajijq^  - 

Boi^fStJfii  gT^,to  sustain  him  in  that  trying  hoMr,  ifj^d  finaUy  fpr  t^^^ 

of  i^th^d^righ*,..      ,  !-'\     ^'^'ZuHii/S^'y--: 

Whcfi,! arose. fiY^  my  knees  he  grasped  my  h^d  ea^^:!^  o^  su^^i  .^Iq^sc  ,'; 
teltm^  vl».y9iu.^e.    Ipa^not,  if  I  woiild,  betray  you,,fjfi)[  ?hSr-T^.K"*|«i^!^^ 
standing  bef<we  thai^God  whcan  you  have  just.adi^^^e^,    , ,,  "".,,.^1',^'    .      ,. 

lie  understood  me. 
It  was  now  growing  late. '  I  was  not  far  from  the  rebel  lineo^  but  was  not  .  . 


*' 


Xi^ 


...vA 


■   ■■  ■    -(iv  ■-■■'■  .>'   i-  ■ 

^— At)VENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        75 

■■•■••  •      ,  ■       .■  ...,,■  .,• 

.?    i     I    A     ■)  ^'  V 

able  to  successfully  act  a  pari  in  my  preset  debilitated  condition,  and,  besides, 
I  was  glad  Uiat  I  could  consistcntlj-  remain  over  night  with  that  jxK>r;  dying 
iuah,'reb<M  tbouj^h  b«  was.'-  I  be^Mi^  to  loolc  around  for  something  wbach  I 
mi^ht  conlr«rt-ini^  a  iigKt,  but  did  not  succeed  in  finding  anj'tfiing  better  than 
a  j^ece  of  salt  porli,  v^h  I  fried,  pouring  the  fat  into  a  dish,  in  which  I  put  a  ' 
cotton  rag,  and  then  lis^hting  the  end  of  the  rag  I  found  that  I  liad  secured 
nuite  a  respectable  light.  After  making  some  commeal  gruel  for  my  patient, 
I  took  care  to  fast^  the  doors  and  windows  so  that  no  one  could  enter  the  hous* 
without  my  knowledge,  and  screened  the  windows,  so  that  no  light  might  a(< 
tract  the  rebel  scputs.  ,     ^ 

T-hus  with  a  sort  of  feeling  of  security  I  took  my  seat  beside  the  ack  man. 
The  dews  of  death  were  already  gathering  on  his  pallid  brow. ,  I  took  his  hand 
in  mine,  examined  his  pulse  again,  and  wiped  the  cold  perspiration  from  his 
forehead.  ^  Oh  Iiow  those  beautiful  eyes  thanked  me  for  these  Httje  acts  of 
kindness!  lie  felt  in  his  heart  that  I  did  not  sympathize  with,  him  as  a  rebel, 
but  thai  I  was  willing  to  do  all  that  a  sister  could  do  for  him  in  this  hour  of 
trial.  This  seemed  to  call  forth  more  gratitude  than  if  I  had  been  heart  and 
hand  with  the  South'.  He  looked  up  suddraily  and  saw;  me  weq)ing,  fori 
could  not  rtetrain  my  tears;  he  then  seemed  to.  understand  that  he  was  really 
dying.    Looking  a  little  startlaihe  exclaimed:  "Am  I  really  dying?" 

Oh,  how  of |en  have  I  been  obliged  to  answer  thaiawful  qiiestion'in  the  afBrQi- 
ative!    *']^es,_y<m  are  ^Bying,   m^  ^^1®"^-.  .^  J'***"? ,P^*"41™*d^^)"^'po<'^  ' 
He  replieid:    *My  trust  is  in  (Christ;  He  was  mine  in  life,  aiid  ih  death  He  will 
not  foirsake  me"— almost  the  very  words  I  heatd  a  dying  Federal  soldier  say,  - 
a  few  days  before,  at  the  hospital  at  Williamsburg.    A  few  weeks  previous  "*_ 
these  two  men  had  been  arrayed  against  each,  oiher  in  'deadly  strife;  yet  they  ''^ 
were  bretlu-eh;  tiiclr  ftEiith  and  hope  was  tb^  ^™?i  they  both  trusted  i|i  tfie 
sa^e  Satiouif'for  salycXion.  ,      ,^^    .      ' 

'iTjen  he  scud:    ."I  ha.vc  a  last  request  to'mi&e.  "  If  you  ever  pass  through  the  ' 
Confederate  camp  between  this  and  Richmond  inquire  for  Maj.  McKcc,  of  Gen.  ' 
Ewell's  siaft,  and  give  him  a  gold  watch  which  you  will  find  in  my  pocket;  he 
will  know  what  to  do  with  it;  and  tell  him  I  died  happy,  peekccfuUy."    He  then 
told  me  his  name  and  the  regiment  to  which  he  had  belonged.     His  name  was 
Allen  Hail.    Taking  a  ring  from  his  finger  he  tried  to  put  it  on  mine,  tut  his*', 
strength  failed,  and  aftCT  a  pause  he  said:    "Keep  that  ring  in  memory  of  one ' 
whose  suHerings  you  have  alleviated,  and  whose  soul  has  been  refreshed  by  "i 
your  prayers  in  the  hour  of  dissolution."    Then  folding  his  hands  togetlier    ' 
as  a  little  child  would  do  at  its  mother's  knee,  he  Smiled  a  liiutc  invitation  for    ' 
prayer.    After  a  few  moments'  agonizing  prayer  in  behalf  of  that  departing 
spirit,  the  dying  man  raised'himself  up  in  the  bed  and  cried  out  with  his  dying   '' 
breath:    "Glory  to  God  I    Glory  to  God!    I  am  almost  home!"  '^ 

He  was  alii^ost  goixt.    I  gave  liim  some  water,  rais^  the  winUowi  arid  using 
m/  hat  for  a  tin,'!  sit  d^wn  anH  waltzed  fiie  lasCjgliftm^riijg  spar^  of  light  j^   * 
out  fr<>m  those  tx^ui^ufwiiidows  of  tifie  ^u^    ru^g  his  htoc^in  JBiqe  b6  : 

■'.  ••■■'       ,       -       .      ■  '<<.       ■'-'         ■  y,'-^ •■■'  -'.-- 


■/ 


F^.  ¥%T^f    *-!?.  ^m 


%'\X:£     '■    "^-'I   \   :~T.~    r    a    U    ^'.^i'^  ^^\&'l■■X^ 


tSffMii  to  im  to  raYse  his  head  in  my  arms.  I  did  so,  and  in  a  f«w  moments  he 
ceased  to  breathe. 

He  died  about  12  o'clock,  his  hand  clasping  mine  in  the  painful  grip  of  death,  ' ' 

ny  arm  supporting  him,  and  his  head  leaning  on  my  bosom  like  a  wearied  ( 

chfld.    I  laid  him  down,  closed  his  eyes,  and  straightened  his  rigid  limbs;  ^^ 

fhen  fokiing  his  hands  across  his  breast,  I  drew  his  blanket  close  around  him 
and  Mi  him  in  the  silent  embrace  of  death.  The  beautiful,  calm  expression  of 
Ids  face  made  me  think  he  looked  .';-''.    i       y:. 

likeonewhowrapsthedrapery  of  hisCoWCih'     'v-       '" 
About  him,  and  lies  down  to  pleasant^dreams.  -  '^■•'^'' 

This  was  rather  a  strange  position  for  me  to  occupy  at  miduiight-^alone 
with  death!  Yet  I  thanked  God  that  it  was  my  privilege  to  be  ^^i^e;  and  I 
thanked  Him  for  the  religion  of  Jesus  which  was  the  str^gth  of  my  heart  in 
that  trying  hour.  Yes,  I  could  then  rejoice  in  the  providence  which  had  de- 
tamed  me  in  the  Chickahominy  Swamp,  uid  had  thus  braught  itte  t&  the  bed* 
side  of  that  suffering  stranger.  Profound  silence  reigned  supreme^  %nd'  thlere 
Was  naught  to  chase  away  the  darkness  of  that  gloomy  midhjght  hour  save 
the  consciousness  that  God  was  there. 

I  felt  it  good  thus  to  be  drawn  away  from  the  tumult  of  wm^  and  there,  in  the 
presence  of  the  angel  of  death,  hold  communion  with  my  61m  hia/ti  and  drink 
deep  from  the  well  of  holy  meditatkm.  I  thought  th^e  ware  hapj^y  Isidrits 
boTering  round  the  lifeless  torm  «>f  him  Mtho  was  so  lovable  io'Hf ^'a^  Ipteljr  in 
death.  Yes,  L  imagined  the  shining  host  had  retufned  froitt^  esearti^g  "the 
triumphant  spirit  to  the  Throne  of  God,  and  were  now  Wfttchlnf  4he-b^ut{fu! 
caskei  which  had  encased  the  bright  spirit  whose  companionship  had  made 
some  Southern  home  bright  and  joyous.  ,     ...      .  -„. 

I  thought,  too,  of  the  loted^  ones  w^io  had  gone  and  le^t  melb  fini^  my  jour- 
ney alone,  and  who  would  sdbn  coiiie  to  bwr  me  atfay  ^^  tljat  bright  eternal 
world,  if  I  only  proved  fai^uT  unto  death.  "Aow*  iiripressiTely  sad,  how 
thrillingly  beautiful,  the  lesscm  we  glean  from  this  silent  spirit  communion! 
Our  physical  nature  starts  and  shudders  at  the  thought  of  joining  the  silent 
numbers  of  the  dead;  but  our  spiritual  nature  catehesA  gli^l^eof  that  spirit- 
life  beyond  the  portals  of  the  tomb,  whore  life,  pure,  iz&i  wjl  joyous,  shall  b« 

^ ■  .  >  1        .-   '    .*(       '.'..1  '■* 


Ours." 


A  lesson  sad,  but  fraught  with  gooi^-^ 
A  tearful  one,  but  strmgthening  food— p  , 
Tbou   givest   me;  '     '^^    . ' ' 

We  learn  that  "dust  returns  to  duii* 
Anew  in  God  we  put  our  trust, 

And  bow  the  knee.  'w>.. 

,1   'a  -5;    ■■:,'  ^  .  .       -d      i  1R'    ip .--it  ■.:0:i 

i.     -r      i  -i   -  'i.  '-■    .  .C  ::b'-iU  A    ":P..j:0..! 

V  \     -v  ■'.     a,-    1?-.    r      '.  ■■,:'-  'h-^'\>.\ 

I  ■■'%■■  ;i.  .3;  '>,'  i.    ';    i  '<   '*' ^■'S -^ 


APtamiBEs  OF  I  warns  h  k  uiaoi7  soldieb.     ^ 


1 


« 

Of"^ 

■4x--.'  ^v 

■V 

';>  ■ 

.^M 

/ 

. ,  -i-  * 

i. 

!?.• 

V5. 

ft-;- 

.4 

y  'V 

«    H-    :i,: 

■-#" 

A 

-!;' 

(»  . . 

■  '  If 

:4r-r-T^ 

^"■ 

•'■- 

'»; 

,•■**•'■=  V'f-'St  'f   1  '-^      s^  >    .r  :^. 

■■,-■■  '■'  '-'f:^':  '■      '■■■■  v-  .  -^^  "••^■:  ^        •■■  .■;..■■: 

■■-:  -.-^ -.--■■  .--V  •■     -CHAPTER  Xn.^.'    -  -  ^'  '  ' ' 

Am  I  a  Stoic?— Someone's  Darling;— Completing  My  Diseiuse— Another 
Start  for  the  Bebel  Lines— Peppering  my  Eyes— Challenged  by  a  Pkket. 
A  Cockney  §«jOttnelT-Gettins  Informatiop— Plenty  <rf  Beef,  but  No  Salt 
fijce  ju^icl  <kvnmeal  Bread— Preparing  to  Visit  Headquarters— luterviev 
Withiii|kj.^Keerr-The  Major's Mispbced  Confidence— Return  for  theBodf 
.  q(  .the>j^d|pel  Qfiptaln-TrMy  Look-out  fo;  Yankees— New  Ordeats* 

,  Perha|Ns  apie^pf  my'readersvwill  pronounce  me  a  stoic,  mtirdy  detoid  of 
fee|mg,  i^bw^-I  tell  tho?  that  two  hours  after  I  wraiiped  the  uiKXMiscious  form 
of  my  la|e;Pt|^^tw  his  mnding-sheet,  I  enveloped  myself  in  my-patchwjdE 
iiuilt,  and  laid  me  down  not  far  from  the  corpse,  and  slept  soimdly  until  f 

o'clock,  in^.4^,:mOriUngj'',^^.     ..--:■-■.  ^;   ..y:;",.,  ,V^,         ■  _»,v;  •,>.,...- 

,  Feelioig  if^ifih  r^es^;  I  arose,  and  after  spendmg  a  few  mMiMntS  by  the 
^eof  jat^A|U««4.:cqiniMupn,-contempla|u^:  the  change  which  ;the  King  of 
!r<fr(p^%4tl^ilSht>'l^ut.-a  lode  of  hairifr^n  Ihs  tem^  iodk  the  watch  and 
j^  {»0|ij|)l  ji9^lH[f:P^Jtett^  from  his  po^^etf  replaced  the  Idankei  seTeroiitlgra 

|^'*^fcde,i»^.&K«M^   ■•l-^-  t-.  ,.    ■■^:   ■■:>     :v      \   ■/-.     X  ■■  -   •:     •  V  ,:v.  .r 


'    .      .  Kiss  him  once  for  soipebody^j^t 
"  .  :  \      "  , '  ,0he  lifight  xurl  from  its  dark  mates  takfli. . 


*    './■■■?. 


■\y  -r  \> 


..  .  Tfe^y  were  somebody's  pride,  you  know; 
leb^y's  hcmd  hath  rested  there-* 


\Was  it  a  mother's,  soft  and  white? 
Alid'  have  the  lips  of  a  sister  fair 
Been  baptized  in  their  waves  of  light? 

God  knows  best!  *  He  was  somebody's  loT^ 

S(Hi^ebibdy's  heart  enshrined  him  there; 
ySomfclwdy  wafted  his  name  above. 

Night  and  mom,  on  the  wings  of  piayer. 

Somebody  wept  when  he  marched  away,  < 
Locddng  so  handsome,  brave  and  granc^ 

Somebody's  kiss  on  his  forehead  lay, 
^Somebody  du&c  to  liiumtiiiftliMid, 


''3uj:..*.;'  »^i: 


i.-.>x'^„ 


''.*' 
i"^-. 


■■;  / 


.« 


>'.■  >i 


'^  S6mel»dy's  wa^tiri^  a'nd^afchkig  for  him,    >    >t>  ijf  fe,: 
V^rftml  tc>€dW  ^i  fiiefin  tb^ll«r  heart?   J  '- 1  *^:      *„  . 

j;     '     '     ''Aiid  ttie  hraiMg,  clHltilii*  lips  opart!     »'     I   .:■.  *si»^,    , 

■'  '  '^^  ■■'■  ■  ■•     *■   ^'    '•■    I'    ■■'     .^  ■;*■    /X:w<t>:-.::("irt3    •!••. 

Tenderly  bury  the  fair  young  dead, 

Pausing  to  drop  in  his  grave  a  tear;      .        v  ^i.      • 

Carve  on  the  wooden  slab  at  his  head  j.  . 

"Somebody's  darling  slumbers  here." 

After  hastily  partaking  of  a  slight  repast,  which  I  could  scarcely  term  break- 
fast, I  commenced  immediate  preparations  tojeave  the  house.  Ufxm  examin- 
ing the  basket  in  which  I  had  found  the  tea.  on  my  arrival,  I  found  a  number 
of  articles  which  assisted  me  much  in  assuming  a  more  perfect  disguise.  There 
was  mustard,  pepper,  an  old  pair  of  green  spectacles,  and  a  bottle  of  rod  ink. 

Of  the  mustard  I  made  a  strong  plaster  about  ,the  siz«  of  a  (ilollart  and  tied  it 
on  one  side  of  my  face  until  it  blistered  it  thoroughly.  I  then  cut  6ff  the  blister 
and  put  on  a  large  patch  of  black  court-plaster;  with  the  ink  I  painted  a  red  line 
around  my  eyes,  and  after  giving  my  pale  complexion  a  deep  tinge  with  some  , 
ochre  which  I  found  in  a  closet,  I  put  on  my  green  glasses  and  my  Irish  hoodj 
which  came  over  my  face  about  six  inches.  .«. 

1  then  made  the  tour  of  the  house  from  garret  to  cellar,  to  fmd  all  th^  botise- 
hold  fixings  which  an  Irishwoman  v/ould  be  supposed  to  carry  with  her  in  such 
an  emergicncy— for  I  expected  to  be  searclKd  before  I  wa«  admitted  through  the 
lines.  I  packed  both  my  baskets,  for  I  had  two  now,  and  was  rflody  for  another 
start  But  before  leavihg-I  thought  best  to  bury  my  pis'tol  a5d  every  article 
in  my  possession  which  could  in  any  way  induce  suspiciorti  Taking  a>f are- 
well  look  at  the  beautiful  f«atuT09of  tiic  dead,  I  iefiihe  house,' golnj;  directly 
the  nearest  road  to  the  rebel  picket  line.  I  fdt  perfectly  saf«  in  doing  so,  for  the 
rebel  soldier's  watch  was  a  sufficient  passport  in  daylightj^' and>,a  tne^sago  for 
Maj.  McKee  would  insure  me  civility  at  least.    :   .  •.  \    .'      ';, 

I  followed  the  Richmond  road  about  five  miles  before  meeting  or  seeing  any 
one.  At  length  I  saw  a  sentinel  in  the  distance,  but  bcforolilotuserTed  me  I  sat 
down  kr  rest  and  prepare  my  mind  for  the  coming  interview.  While  thus  wait- 
ing to  have  my  courage  reinforced,  I  took  from  piy  basket  the  black  pepper  md 
S7irinkled  a  little  of  it  oh  my  pocket  handkerchief,  which.I«i^lied  t6  my  eyes. 

The  effect  was  all  I  could  have  desir^,  for  taking  a  view  ctf  my  prepossessing 
countenance  in  the  small  mirror  which  l<alway$  carried  with  me,  I  perceived 
that  my  eyes  had  a  fine  tender  expression,  which  added  very  muchito  the  beauty 
of  their  red  borders.  I  was  reminded  of  poor  Leah  of  old  who  tnl}eA  to  secure 
the  affection  of  her  husband  in  consequence  of  a  similar,  blemish,  and  thought 
myself  safe  from  the  slightest  approach  to  admiration  on  the  part  of  the  chivalry. 

1  now  resumed  my  journey,  and  dismayed  a  flag  of  Iruce,  a  pleoe  of  a  cotton 
window  curtain  which  Ihad.  brought  from  the  hous^at  which  T had  stopped  over 
nights    As  1  came  nearer  the  picket  guavd  signaled  to  me  to  advance  which  I 


'  •  ■       » 

.      ADTHENTUBES  Of  4r  TTQJfAa?-  4$ 'A  UinON  SOLDIER     r^ 
•      - 

did  as  fast  as  Iio»!4Jdi»iiB,d«r  #»PvCffSBn0M^es*Wg^  With  two 

heavy  baskets  infill  M<»^(ia!i$baKra^:#^fe  etc. 

Upon  dxaiDg  np^i^-gvmii  wsUv^ifiihfivt  ^^^^^  at  his  formidable 
appearance,  I  felt  rejpiaqd,  |^  th(Slfi3t(^,jM{9fi>jpa()j|^i,4}iunaisc  specimai  of  a 
jolly  EBglishman,  with  a  bland  smile  on  his  good-natured  face,  provoked,  I 
presume,  by  the  supremely  ludicrous  figure  I  presented. 

He  mildly  questioned  me  with  regard  to  my  hopes  and  fears,  whence  I  came 
and  whither  I  was  going,  and  if  I  had  seen  any  Yankees.  My  sorrowful  story 
was  soon  told.  My  peppery  handkerchief  was  freely  applied  to  my  eyes,  and 
vtheiteKdf MbdQiwia  ^Siy  iace  without  the  least  effort  on  mypart. 

,  The  g)Qq|l^na^u;$4  gAiard's  sympathy  was  excited,  more  especially  as  I  was  a 
foreigner  <Uk«iiun]|9iV^f,  and  he  told  me  I  could  pass  along  and  go  Just  wherever 
I^pleasodit^p.iflCM'he  was  concerned,  adding  in  a  sad  tone:  "I  wish  I  was  hat 
'(Hire  ji|itIk;D»{;ifawld^V'han(l  then  Jeff  Davis  hand  tjiieponf^d^apy^mightgojo 

/ell.for|i^l»iM*  r  JJiflglishmen  'ave  np  business  'ere."     J  •  , ",  r     .  . .    ^ 

;    J  mwtiUyjegtcteuned,  "Good  foryou— you  are  one  after  my  ownJ^earjt,"]mt 

-  I::.reidisd<^  ,J^^Ei9^)g^shman's  patr^^^    speech  after  th&^following  manner: 

:  .''Och,;iad«dfiJ  wish  K^z  was  all  at  home  wid  ya  families,  barrin',  them  as  have 

nQfatoiiJB!^:«ap<'gug&  it's  we  poor  craythurs  of  wimen  thafls'^heartbrpkf^ Jm' 

tirely,  an'  fairly  kilt  wid  this  onnathral  war"',,  and  here  my,  eyes  were  a^^ 

^€»?^»iU(rit»B«lJ^tl*WSvh»n#erjhUlk-  .^  ,  hj  .j<,  ^^   .,.    ,.,  ).,,.„;  ,^,;  / 

<f  .^  A!iteft,^b4jd()iBg»th^j)WJk«Jt(3^  ia«dn«^il  '^mM9^:Wy^'^Ii^9^ 

Hi^S|!^!«NPai^;njI*h«4  nofe««(«e.4»r  «h€^.tb^;iH|i«5^  <;^le4  m^  l^^fuSJ^ad- 
•»Y3«^»9a¥JtjJ#»^  |»,»ai»»ov«  lOgl^  tor^-s^Mihev  m  /f   .rf  ■:^^  \  ^        ._^,: . 

Mif4  ^>hnSgeii[«iB|^^£hick«hon^il]^,j^djint9^  f^tt^i^dibfc^tth 
»}iayii9r  jp8fijgljtfcW*'4«*kS0Waid^W<ireTea^..fer  Ifeemj"  ^  ^.jj  t,  ^'^  j  -u .',  , 
•li  lie  win^i«65*ftJ#!S»eh*wto«iy  WBsk!^ 

nheif^^&mit  ifll»»ftl  isanti»gjtOTft;jbiv^rhjWk|fiby  ithg^,ro«^d9Jd^„^tl^  wi4j«we 
them  fits  if  they  come  this  way."  ^  ?  (.    ■>  :■    •  -     -  ,iv 

Fee\i^  ^^9iif(hat  p^a.hurry,  I  started  once  iiu>re;:for:  oEunp.  I  c^oncluded 
.^^,e<^MmCi^hrOVffh,itl^,Unes  that.I  co^  dispeose  with  one  of  my  baske^, 
so  set^giwe^of  tJN^Iidosr^  under  atree*!  felt  much  m^re  :9pmfortabl^^and 
:Wjas  tnf)t>i^mti^^  (»p^)icuou8,  an  object  going  into  camp.  .1  yfea^  4irect|y{  to 
HeadquArtgris^diiiitij^irecl  for  ,Maj.  McKee..  I  was  tpld  that 'he;  woujkl  t|Oit  be 
(there  bii^ft^ev^Kkingt  and  my  informant  drawled  out  after  ine:.''H$'sg9n«  |o  set 
a  traib|o)- ^idit^T-j^TYankees." '       :       -  ;    :....;;,=:.. 

•  .;XjP?a4!^  llpiQ)i[kPfiQd  ftt  once  ^hat  I  must  find  out  as  mi^^a^pui^sible  Veforo 
.night,>aRidkt/maJlii«9i^way.iba(^  before  the  impending  battlcreame  on„ ,  Upcn 
ipokinig:  $iif  (Oun^UJle  Qawp  I  saw  a  shanty  where  some  negro  wcnnen  9?ere.CQciking 
mfifkt.yjlj.tie»t»ii»id^4  tten  thattlwas  httttgxyaiwi  youWlikestehavftS^BW- 

>^?^<|»M»^j!^yt^wfSs«getflQt»o^  meat  ai)4  bredd,.but  hai«t 'i^t  jao  saltjibat 
mk&a.  j{ej»iMiatiiti.«itbiMt<f<  ■;So'a»y9g;,«a  ^Id  Ausiie-jbrfltt^t  im  ^  J^B^oi 


NURSE  AND  SPY. 


Somebody's  waiting;  and  watching;  for  him, 
Yearnins  to.  hold  him  again  to  her  hear^'  , 

And  ihat  he  lies  with  liis  dark  eyes  cUmi 
And  the  smiling,  childlike  lips  apart. 

Tenderly  bury  the  fair  young  dead, 
.  '  Pausing  to  drop  in  his  grave  a  tear; 

Carve  on  the  wooden  slab  at  his  head 
"Somebody's  darling  slumbers  here." 

Alter  liastily  partaking  of  a  slight  repast,  which  I  could  scarcely  term  break- 
fast, I  commenced  immediate  preparations  to  leave  the  house.  Upon  examin- 
ing the  basket  in  which  I  had  found  the  tea  on  my  arrival,  I  found  a  number 
of  articles  which  assisted  me  much  in  assuming  a  more  perfect  disguise.  There 
wes:  mustard,  pepper,  an  old  pair  of  green  spectacles,  and  a  bottle  of  red  ink. 

Of  the  mustard  I  made  a  strong  plaster  about  the  size  of  a  dollar,  and  tied  it 
on  ohe  side  of  my  face  until  it  blistered  it  thoroughly.  I  then  cut  oiBf  the  blister 
and  put  on  a  largv  patch  of  black  court-plaster;  with  the  ink  I  painted  a  red  line 
around  my  eyes,  and  after  giving  my  pale  complexion  a  deep  tinge  with  some 
ochre  which  I  found  in  a  closet,  I  put  on  my  green  glasses  and  my  Irish  hood, 
which  came  over  my  face  about  six  inches.  .  i' 

I  then  made  the  tour  of  the  house  from  garret  to  cellar,  to  find  aQ  the  house- 
hold fixmgs  which  an  Irishwoman  would  be  supposed  to  carry  with  her  in  such 
an  emergency — for  I  expected  to  be  searched  before  I  was  adlnitted  through  the 
lines.  I  packed  both  my  baskets,  for  I  had  two  riow,  and  was  ready  for  another 
start  But  before  leaving  I  thought  best  to  bury  my  pistol  and  every  article 
in  my  possession  which  could  in' any  way  induce  suspicion.  '.Taking  a  far<j- 
well  look  at  the  beautiful  features  of  the  dcad,Ileft  the  house,  going  dirocUv 
the  licarest  road  to  the  rebel  picket  line.  I  felt  perf cctlj-  safe*  in  doing  so,  for  the 
rebel  soldier's  watch  ;wos  a  sufficient  passport  in  daylight,  arid  a  message  for 
Maj.McKee  would  insure  me  civility  at  least. 

I  followed  the  Richmond  road  about  five  miles  before  meeting,  or  seeing  any 
one.  I  At  length  I  saw  a  sentinel  in  the  distance,  but  before  hei  observed  .me  I  sat 
down  to  rest  and  prepare  my  mind  for  the  coming  inter jiew. ;  Wiiil^  thus  wait- 
ing to  have  my  courage  reinforced,  I  took  from  ray  basket  thcblack  pepper  and 
STwinklcd  a  little  of  it  on  my  pocket  handkerchief,  which  I  applied  to  my  eyes. 

The  effect  was  all  Icould  have  desired,  for  taking  a  view  of  my  prepossessing 
countenance  in  the  small  mirror  which  I  always  carried  with  me,  I  perceived 
that  my  eyes  had  a  fine  tender  expression,  which  added  very  much  to  the  beauty 
of  th^u-  red  borders.  I  was  reminded  of  poor  Leah  of  old.  who  failed  to  secure 
the  affection  of  her  husband  in  consequence  of  a  similar  blemish,  and  thought 
myself  safe  from  the  slightest  approach  to  admiration  on  the  part  of  the  chiyalrv. 

I  now  resumed  my  journey,  and  displayed  a  flag  of  truce,  a  piece  of  a  cotton 
wiiid^w  curtain  which  1  had  brought  from  the  house  at  which  I  had  stopped  over 
nighty    As  I  came  nearer  the  picket  guard  signaled  to  me  to  advance,  which  I 


I  ^i,uj,iii)ijnpij|ii 


ADVENTURES  O^  A  "WOMAJf^A^  A  UNION  SOLDIER     C  ?• 


did  as  fast  as  I  itonM  undk  tke  dreamstionoes,  Ijeing  <ndunbered  with  two 
heavy  baskets  paei^  fdU  of  «AH^enl«iaF«;cl»thibef •quilts,  etc. 

Upon  coming  up#  tffe  guai^,  iiiistdul  of  bbing  dismttyefl  at  his  formidable 
appearance,  I  felt  iettyk6&,  far  thimJstdiodibefdf erne  an  immense  specimen  of  a 
jolly  Englishman,  with  a  bland  smile  on  his  good-natured  face,  provoked,  I 
presune,  by  the  supremely  ludicrous  figure  I  presented. 

He  nildly  questioned  me  with  regard  to  my  hopes  and  fears,  whence  I  came 
and  wUther  I  was  going,  and  if  I  had  seen  any  Yankees.    My  sorrowful  story 
was  soon  told.    My  peppery  handkerchief  was  freely  applied  to  my  eyes,  and 
:  the  teafsT^n  down  my  face  without  the  least  effort  pn  my  part 

The  goodi^natured  guard's  sympathy  was  excited,  more  especially  as  I  was  a 
f  oreignalike  himself,  and  he  told  me  I  could  pass  along  and  go  just  wherever 
i-pleas^'isb'  far  as  he  was  concerned,  adding  in  a  sad  tone:  "I  wish  I  was  hat 
'omew^my'ftanily,  hand  then  JeS  Da\is  hand  the  Confederacy  might  go  to 
'ell  for luttrnfe' Hihglishmen 'ave  no  business 'ere." 

I  mditiHy  exclaimed,  "Good  for  you — you  are  one  after  my  own  heart,"  but 

I  repUied'IO'  thie  Engh'shman's  patriotic  speech  after  the  following  manner: 

"Och,  ihdade-I  wish  yez  was  iall  at  home  wid  yer  families,-  bairin'  them  as  have 

no  fan^ieijan^sitr  exit's  we  pc>or  craythurs  of  wimen  that's  heartbroken  in- 

tirely,  an'  fairly  kilt  wid  this  oimathral  war";  and  here  my  ej'es  were  again 

"-fea*rfuliy"^pedirttH''hiy  handkerchief.  - 

-vv  Altei!P^y«^mg't!hd'pi<^^ttguard  for  his  k^fdness,  I  went  on  my  way  toward 

4h(i;re|)i;IH:itMt>;  '^  had  ndt<t;0^e  far  whirat  the  guard  called  me  back  and  ad- 

-ii^sed  i!f«»not^'  stay  itt  camt>x)Ver  i^gUt,  for,  said  he: 

'i '  •^ngofbUf^fes  Easiust  come  in  and*epbrted  that  the  Yankees  havefia- 

:^ished  ihilftidgeil'aciwsS^the-GMckabohuiiy,  and  intend  to  attack  ^us  either  to- 

;Jda5^^rI*-W^ht;'blit  Jackisori  and  Lee  dre  ready  for  them."  '^ 

■■■   Hie  v^t  on'lo  tell  Me  hbw  ifiaiiy  masked  batteries  they  had  prepared,  and,  said 

fie,.if*Ttere  is  ttte,'- pointing'  to^ia  brush-heap' by  the  roadside,  "that  will  give 

them  fits  if  they  come  this  way." 

'  'Feeling 'Viomewhot  in  a  hurry,  I  started  once  more  for  ciunp.  I  concluded 
after  g^tihg -through  the  lines  that  I  could  dispoise  with  one  of  my  baskets, 
so  isettiiigi  bnfe  of  them  down  tinder  a  tree  I  felt  much  more  comfortable^  and 
was  n)t  iqikite  s6  conspicuous  an  object  going  into  camp.  I  went  directly  to 
Head^uiaterst^  inquired  for  Maj.  McKee.  I  was  told  that  he  would  not  be 
thtfebefore  evening,  and  my  informant  drawled  out  after  me:  "He's  gone  to  set 
a  trap  for  the  d——d  Yankees." 

I  nadeUpmy  mbid  at  once  that  I  must  find  out  as  much  as  possible  before 
night,  'and'niake  niy  way  back  before  the  impending  battle  came  on<  Upon 
looking  ai^und  the  camp  I  saw  a  shanty  where  some  negro  women  Were  cooking 
meKt '  I  went  and  told  them  that  I  was  hungry  and  would  Kke  tohave  soaie- 
■'thiRg^fo  feaiti  -^^'^  •■  ■^--^'■'<-  ;:  .  -  -V  ,i-  y  ■■  1  -r-r  ■.-  .! 
>  '&ii,y^,'hdati,  #fe'se  gotlots  o*  meit  acndi)reid,  but'halhl  ^6t  ho  Salt;- hot 
fecl^  ye^aii'tat'it  without^    So  sa^mg'^'oU'au^tielizddaJ^  tit  a  ptebeof 


^TJSSE   AND  SPY. 


cli«k  w»,  kl     ,         ''°''  "■«  expression  nl  ^  ^  '*''  """I'  "ifflDas- 

•IW  not  remZ^    J-y  glasses  and  bathed  0^^!!°  ^!  *""•«  "'  «■•  court- 
"d  get  m. sTme  ™:f e^"  °'  «■»  ""<"«i  «™e„  ^  „  toT?*"  """««;  «■«• 

Rveo'cloekcame  a  rf    -u  """  I"  «mk  a„d  talk  of 


The  Major  se.medSJ^!^""'"""''  """^  ""'^  I  nivir  . 

techment  of  m<»n     mi      ,     '  *"^  "'^d  me  to  wnU  ..^*-i  i. 

•hat  distant,  «d  ZZ^^'J""^^  '  ""1  WmCTdf5'  "H"!^  »'«■ "  «- 


V  ;•  I6>  7:;nj;^3r-' 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  TOHON  SOLDIER.        « 

•  1  really  felt  mean,  and  for  the  first  time  since  I  had  acted  in  the  capacity  of 
spy  I  despised  myself  foi*  the  y^y  mi  vrhich  I  was  about  to^pe^orm.  ^  I  inust 
betray  thexonfid  wee /which  ithstt  man  ceposed/'in  me.  He  y^^^/oo  generous  te 
harbor  a  suspicion  against  me,  and  thus  furnished  me  the  very,  rqeans  of  b^ 
traying:him.;  ;-     ,.     r    a     t   u   ;.a    i.    .:    ,„     ,.    ■■■■,  ku    [...^     - ,,. 

This-feehng  did  not  laat  long,  hoirever,  for  as  we  started  on  our  misaon  M 
said  to  his  men:  "Now,  boys,  bring  back  the  body  of  Capt.  Hall,  if  you  have  to 
walk  through  Yankee  blood  to  theknees."  ?rK    •>*  , ^  v , 

That  speech  eflsed  my  conscience  considerably.    I  was  surprised  io  hfear  1 


4 


RIDING    FOR    LIFE. 


say  "Capt  Hall,"  for  I  did  not  know  until  then  that  he  was  an  office:.  Then 
was  nothing  about  his  uniform  or  person  to  indicate  his  rank,  and  I  had  sup- 
posed he  w£is  a  private  soldier.  ^ 

We  made  our  way  toward  the  house  very  cautiously,  lest  we  should  be  sur- 
prised by  the  Federals.  I  rode  at  the  head  of  the  little  band  of  rebels  as  guide, 
not  knowing  but  that  I  was  leading  them  into  the  jaws  of  death  every  step  w« 
advanced,  and  if  so  it  would  probably  be  death  for  me  as  well  as  for  them. 

Thus  we  traveled  those  five  miles,  silently,  thoughtfully,  and  stealthily. 
The  sun  had  gone  down  behind  the  western  hills,  and  the  deepening  shadows 
were  fast  gathering  around  us  as  we  came  in  sight  o{  the  little  white  cottage  in 
the  forest;  Whfere  1  had  so  recently  spent  such  a  strangely  j  awfully  solmin  night. 

TheBttle  detachment  halted  ^  fest'and  to  mAke^  arruigemcnts  before  ap- 


,     b 


(     >     •?•    1 


Itroaching  the  house.  This  detachn^ent  consisiedol  2^  men,  undo- «  Sorgt^t 
and  a  Corppral  ^he  men  Were  divided  iniio  s^ua^,  f»cH  of  which  waS|(o^ke 
lis  turn  at  carrying  the  body  of  their  late  Capt^  yppja  a  str^tchipr,  ;^hich  tjiey 
had l>roug^t  for  that  jpurpose.  ,  As, we  drew  n^ear,  an^  ^^'<P^  siiEn.of^.an,»p- 
proaehing  enemy,  they  regrette||d  that  the^  tiad  not.brpugpt  8p  apl^ila^ce; 
but  I  did  not  regret  it,  for  the  presoit  arrangonent  suiied  me  exactly. 

Having  settled  things  satisfactorily  among  themselves,  we  again  resumed 
,  our  march  and  were  soon  at  the  gal^.    The  Sergeant  then  ordered  the  Corporal 
to  proceed  to  the  house  with  a  squad  ul'  men  and  bring  out  the  corpse,  while  he 
stationed  the  remaining  men  to  guard  all  the  approaches  to  the  house. 

He  thai  asked  me  to  ride  down  the  road  a  little  way,  and  if  I  should  see  or  hear 
anything  of  the  Yankees  to  ride  back  as  fast  as  possible  and  let  them  know.  I 
assented,  and  joyfully  complied  with  the  first  part  of  his  request.  This  was  a 
Td'y  pleasant  duty  assigned  me,  for  which  I  mentally  thanked  the  Sergeant  a 
thousand  times. 

I  turned  and  rode  slowly  down  the  road,  but  not  "seeing  or  hearing  anything 
of  the  Yankees,"  I  thought  it  best  to  keep  on  in  that  direction  until  I  did.  I  was 
like  the  ;EOuave,  after  the  battle  of  Bull  Run.  who- said  he  was  ordered  to  retreat, 
but  not  being  ordered  to  halt  at  any  particular  place,  he  preferred  to  keep  on 
until  he  reached  New  York.  So  I  preferred  to  keep  on  until  \  reached  the  Chicka- 
hominy,  where  I  reported  progress  to  the  Federal  Creneral. 

I  had  no  desire  to  have  that  little  escort  captured,  and  consequently  said 
nothing  about  it  in  my  report;  so  the  Sergeant,  with  his  men,  were  permitted  to 
return  to  the  rebel  camp  unmolested,  bearing  with  them  the  remains  of  their  be- 
loved Capt&in.  After  gettiijg  out  of  sfghV  of  the  rebel  gue^ds,  I  kade  that 
horse  go  bvc?  the  ground  ab^ut  as  fast,  1  ttenk,  as  he  ever  did  befoVe-^which 
seemed  to  glvctiim  a  bad  impression  of  Yankees  i^  gieneral,  and  of  ine  in  par- 
ticular, for'^vetl  after  thai,  night  It  was  as  much  a&  a  per^n'is'li^  Witsi  worth  to 
saddle  him^  at  every  aittempt'he  would  kick'  and  btte  most  savagely.  ^ 
■  ■  The  next  day  the  following:  order  was  issued:  "ijpo^  advaiicifig  beyd^d  the 
Chickahominy  the  troops  will  go  prepared  for  battle  at  a  moment's  notice,  and 
will  be  entirely  unencumbered,  with  the  exception  of  ambulances.  All  vehicles 
will  be  left  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Chickahomiay,  and  carefully  parked< 

"The  men  will  leave  their  knapsacks,  packed,  with  the  wagons,  and  will  carry 
throe  days'  rations.  The  arms  will  be  put  in  perfect  order  before  the  troops 
marchi  and  a  careful  inspection  made  of  them,  as  well  as  of  the  cartridge-boxes, 
which  in  all  cases  will  contain  at  least  40  rounds;  20  additional  rounds  will  be 
carried  by  the  men  in  their  pockets.  Commanders  of  batteries  will  see  that 
their  limber  and  caisson-boxes  are  filled  to  their  utmost  capacity. 

'^Commanders  of  corps  will  devote  their  personal  attention  to  the  fulfillment 
of  these  orders,  and  will  personally  see  tliat  the  proper  arrangements  are  made 
for  packing  and  properly  guarding  the  trains  and  surplus  baggage,  taking  all 
the  steps  n^essary  to  insure  their  being  brought  promptly  to  the  front  when 
aJBed^:  thef  will  also  taliic  steps  to  pr^Venl  the  ctinb^ilatices'fr^m  ihtei^erfBg 


:e>A. 


*M^m 


#• 


/ 


i- 


I 

I 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  VdMAN^S  A  UNION  gpLDEER     *8S 

't^th%emovemen(s  of  any  tf  bops.  Sufficient  guards  an3  sfaff  officers  Will  be 
(fetaiifed'to  Carry  bht  the^e  orders.  The  aipmunition-wagons  will  b«  in,r<»di- 
rifcsslo  rhardh  UJ  their  fiSspfectiVe  l>Hgades  aiiS  biatteries  at^  moment's  warnipg, 
but  wilFhot  cr<^  ^e  Chickahominy  unjil  they  are' siSnt  for.    All  Quarten^yEts- 

i^simd'Oi'ditiahcebfficersare  toremtun  with  tlieir  uttfii^^       .      ^.•.*^ 

"In  the  approaching  battle  the  General  Commanding  trusts  that  the  troops 
will  preserve  the  discipline  which  he  has  been  so  anxious  to  enforce,  and  which 
they  have  So  generally  observed.  He  calls  upon  all  the  officers  anil  soldiers  to 
ob6y  promptly  and  intelligently  all  the  orders  they  may  receive;  let  them  bear 
;  in  mind  that  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  has  never  yet  been  checkiedt  and  let 
them  preserve  in  battle  perfect  coolness  and  confidence,  the  sure  forenmn^s  of 
success.  They  must  keep  well  together,  throw  away  no  shots,  but  aim  care- 
fillly  and  low,  and,  above  all  things,  rely  upon  the  bayonet.  •  Commanders  of 
regiments  are  reminded  of  the  great  responsibility  that  rests  ugoii  them;,  upon 
their  coolness,  judgment  and  jdiscretion,  the  destinies  of  their  regiments  and 
success  of  the  day  will  depend."      ,  .    -  > 


CHAPTER  xm. 


..^^./■,M. 


I  ,  pur  Communications  With  the  Chickalwmmy— Porter's"  Successes— IKs- 
)>atches  to  the  President— His  Reply— Hanover  Court ,  .House— Terrible 
Storm  and  Flood—Hopes  of  the  Enemy— A  Suddien  and  Strong  Attack. 
'l  Act  as  an  Orderly— Through  the  Flood— My  Return  Mid  Rpport-^Joyful 
News— My  Own  Disaster— Scenes  in  the  Old  Mill— Waiting  oii  thp  Wounded. 
My  Suffermgs  by  the  Roadside— A  Hard-Hearted  ChapUdiiT-A  Stiupbling- 
block. 

For  several  days  the  enemy  had  been  concentrating  a  large  force  on  the  right 
flank  of  the  Federals,  with  the  intention  of  cutting  off  their  communications 
with  the  river.    A  portion  of  Fitz  John  Porter's  Corps  was  detailed  to  dispose  of 
this  force,  and  also  to  cut  the  Virginia  Central,  Richmond  and  Frederioksburg 
,  Railroads.    The  communication  was  cut  off,  and  after  two  severe  engage- 
ments the  enemy  retreated,  leaving  behind  them  several  hupdred  prisoners, 
their  cannon  attd  camp  equipage 
On  the  same  day  the  following  dispatch  was  sent  to  the  Secretary  of  War  by 
,  the  Commanding  General: 

"Camp  near  New  Bridge,  May  28.— Porter  has  gained  two  cpmpjete  victories 
over  ^superior  force^;  yet  I  feel  obliged  to  move  in  the  piorniag  with^reinforce- 
i^eai^  tosecure  theucompl^te  (Jestructton  of  the  i^he^  in  th^t  quarJter.  In  ^oing 
iSo  I  run  some  risk  here,  but  cannot  help  it.    The  enemy  are  even  in  greater  force 


K 


■>f^. 


r-  \- 


'      V 


,f4       ,-.    ;,    ,v    "      :■■-   I     NURSE  AND  SPY.     ;:.    :?    T    ri.'.         ^ 

than  I  ha(}  supposed.  I  will  do  all  tha^  quick  moTemoits  cap.  accompl|sh,^but 
you  must  send  me  all  the  troops  you  can,  and  leav«  to  jne<full.  latitude  ^  to 
choice  of  commanders.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  (p  dfi^trpy  ^e  -r^bds  near 
Hanover  Court  House  before  I  can  advance."       .      -^  h     -,      -     ,.  • 

,  To  which  the  President  replied:  "I  am  very  glad  of  Gen.  Porter's  victory. 
Still,  if  it  was  a  total  rout  of  the  enemy,  I  am  puzzled  to  know  why  the  Rich- 
mond and  Fredericksburg  Railroad  was  not  seized  again,  as  you  say  you  have 
1^11  the  railroads  but  the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg.  I  am  painfully  im- 
pressed with  the  importance  of  the  struggle  before  you,  and  shall  aid  you.i^l  I 
can  consistently  with  my  view  of  due  regard  to  other  points." 

Two  days  later  McClellan  telegraphs  again:  "From  the  tone  of  your  dis- 
patches I  do  not  think  that  you  appreciate  the  value  and  magnitude  of  Porter's 
victory.  It  has  entirely  relieved  my  right  flank,  which  was  seriously  threat- 
ened, it  has  routed  and  demoralized  a  considerable  portion  of  the  rebel  forces, 
taken  over  750  prisoners,  killed  and  wounded  large  numbers;  one  gun,  m&ny 
small  arms,  and  much  baggage  taken.  It  was  one  of  the  handsomest  things 
in  the  war,  both  in  itself  and  in  its  results.  Porter  has  returned,  and  my  army 
is  again  well  in  hand.  Another  day  will  make  the  probable  field  of  battle 
passable  for  artillery.  It  is  quite  certain  that  there  is  nothing  in  front  of  Mc- 
Dowell at  Fredericksburg.  I  regard  the  Durning  of  South  Anne  Bridge  ae  the 
least  important  result  of  Porter's  movement"  ,,     ,--    o     s:^-.  F 

The  battle  of  Hanover  Court  House  was  ctfftainly  a  ^lendid  aSair,.and  a 
very  important  victory  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Three  days  after  thi$ 
battle,  while  the  army  was  divided  by  the  riv^^  a-portion  of  the  troops  ^utvinff 
crossed  over  the  day  before,  a  most  fearful  storm  swept  ov^  the  Peninsula* 
accompanied  with  terrible  exhibitions  of  lightning  and  explosion  of  thunder; 
The  water  came  down  all  night  and  all  day  in  perfect  floods,  completely  ijiuada'^ 
ting  the  valley  through  which  the  Chickahominy  flows^r  ttmiiog  the  parrow 
stream  into  a  broad  river,  converting  the.  swamps  into  lakies,  and  carrying 
away  one  bridge  and  rendering  the  other  unsafe.  And  still  the  rain  came 
pouring  down  in  torrents,  reminding  one  of  that  crisis  in  the  world's  history 
when  "the  fountains  of  the  great  deep  were  broken  up,  and  the  windows  of 
heaven  were  opened." 

Had  it  not  been  for  McClellan's  faith  in  the  Bible  and  in  God's  covenant  with 
Noah,  he  would  no  doubt  have  seriously  contemplated  building  an  ark,  in  order 
to  save  himself  and  his  army  from  destruction.  The  rebels  seemed  to  think 
this  flood  was  sent  as  a  judgment  from  the  Almighty  upon  their  hated  enemies, 
and  was  a  direct  interposition  of  Providence  in  their  behalf,  which  would  en- 
able them  to  \asit  wholesale  destruction  upon'  the  Yankees. 

On  the  30th  of  May  the  enemy,  taking  advantage  of  this  terrible  state  of 
things  caused  by  the  disastrous  storm,  came  rushing  down  upon  our  troops  in. 
immense  force :  A  battle  opened^at  abdut  1  o'clock  in  the  aftemDOD;  and  after 
three  hours'  desperate  fighting.  Gen.  Casey's  Division,  occupying  the  first  line^ 
was  compelled -to  fall  back  in  considerable  discnrder  upon  the  secMadiine^  ci&is> 


1,  -  I 


;'!vi--- 


ADVENTUEES  OP  M  WOltAlT  ift  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       ^ 

^Ihg  teihporary  cdnfasidh;  but  the  rapid  advance  of  Gens.  Heintzfelrhto  ani 
'K*&rriy  tHth*  their  divisions  Soon  checked  the  rebels.    Sumner,  Sedgwick, 
""^CttachV  Kfeyes  aiid  the  othe?  aAimani^ers  alsd- labored  valiantly  to  retrieve  the 
injury  effected  by  the  unfortunate'retireniejit  of  Casey's  command. 

The  enemy,  led  brHill  and  Longstreet,  advanced  in  massive  columns,  with 
threefold  lines,  and  came  boldly  on  like  an  overwhelming^wave,  as  if  deter- 
mined to  crush  all  opposition  by  the  suddenness  and  fierceness  of  the  attack. 
Total  annihilation  seemed  to  be  their  motto,  and  the  determined  and  reckless 
I         daring  of  the  fierce  and  bloodthirsty  rebels  in  such  overpowering  numbers 
^         carried  con,viction  to  many  loyal  hearts  that  they  would  succeed  in  driving  that 
j         devoted  fragment  of  an  army  into  the  Chickahominy,  before  it  would  be  pos- 
^         sible  for  rdnforcements  to  arrive. 

At  this  time  I  was  in  military  uniform,  mounted  upon  my  rebel  horse,  and 

was  acting  Orderly  for  Gen.  K .    Several  Aids  and  Orderlies  had  been 

sent  with  messages  and  dispatches,  but  no  reinforcement  had  yet  arrived,  and, 
taking  a  Federal  view  of  it,  the  picture  presented  a  gloomy  appearance. 

•  Gen.  K reined  in  his  horse  abruptly,  and  taking  from  his  pocket  an 

envelope,  he  hastily  wrote  oA  the  back  of  it  with  a  pencil: 

"In  the  name  of  God,  bring  your  command  -to  our  relief,  if  you  have  to  swim 
in  order  to  get  here — or  we  are  lost." 

Handing  it  to  me  he  said:  "Go  just  as  fast  as  that  horse  can  carry  you  to  Geri. 
G-- — ,  {M-esent  this  with  my  complimehts,  retiun  immediately,  and  report  to 
me;*    ■'         ■' 

'  I  put  poor  little  "Reb"<)ver  the  road  at  the  very  top  of  his  speed  until  he  was 
nearly  white  with  foam, -then  plimged  him  into  the  Chickahominy  and  swam 

hire  ac*oss  the  river.    I  met  Gen.  G about  a  hundred  rods  from  the  river 

making  the  best  of  his  way  toward  the  bridge.  Engineers  were  at  once  set  to 
wotk  strengtbaiing  the  crazy  structure,  which  was  swaying  to  and  fro  with  the 
rushing  tide.  The  eager,  excited  troops  dashed  into' the  water  waist  deep,  and 
getting  upon  the  floating  planks  went  pouring  over  in  massive  columfas.  I 
preferred  to  swim  my  horse  back  again  rather  than  risk  myself  upon  such  a 
bridge,  for  I  looked  every  moment  to  see  it  give  way  and  engulf  the  whole  divis- 
ion in  the  turbid  waters  of  the  swollen  creek.  However,  all  reached  the  other 
aide  in  safety,  and  started  along  the  flooded  road  on  the  double-quick. 

This  was  chemng  news  to  carry  back  to  Gen.  K ,  so  I  started  again  for 

the  field  in  order  to  claim  the  reward  of  "him  who  bringeth  good  tidings." 

I  found  Gen.  K — —  in  the  thickest  of  the^ght,  encouraging  his  men  and 
shouting  his  orders  distinctly  above  the  roar  and  din  of  battle.  Riding  up  to 
him  and  touching  my  cap,  I  reported: 

"Just  returned,  sir.  Gen.  G ,  with  his  commeind,  will  be  here  immedi- 
ately." 

..  It.was  too  gDodto  keq)  to  himself,  so  he  turned  to  his  men  and  shduted  at  the 
(optbf  his  voioe:  /     .  > 

"Bei^cHtonents!    Reinforc«nents!"    Then  swinging  his  hat  in  the  air  he 


•»  KTTRSE   AND  SPY. 

perfectly  ela;trified  tlie  whole  line  as  far  as  his  voice  could  reach,  and  the  glori- 
our  word  "reinforcements"  was  passeil  along  until  that  almost  exhausted  line 
was  Tcanimatcd  and  Inspired  with  new  hopfe.  '  "  •    v  ■     ^v 

While  1  was  thus  watching  with  delight  the  effects  of  this  joyful  news  u^on'^ 
the  soldiers,  my  attention  was  directed  to  another  object. 

Gen.  41' ,  who  had  made  himself  conspicuous  by  his  gallant  conduct,  was 

struck  b\-  a  ball  which  shattered  his  arm  badly.     He  was  only  a  few  rods  from 

me,  and  there  was  none  near  to  help  him.    I  asked  Gen.  K if  I  might  go  to 

him,  and  after  obtaining  permission  1  rode  up  to  him,  leaped  from  my  horse,' 
and  hitched  him  nearby.  \ 

I  then  removed' the  clothing  from  his  arm,  gave  him  some  water,  poured  some 
on  tho  \u;und,  and  went  to  my  saddle-bags  to  g,et  some  bandages,  when  my 
rebel  poin-  laid  hold  of  my  arm  with  his  teeth  and  almost  tore  the  flesh  from  the 
bone.'  N(4  content  with  that,  he  turned  his  heels  in  ^n  instant  and  kicked  with 
lx)th  feet,  ."icnding  nie  atout  a  rod. 

My  arm  was  now  alnmst  as  bad  as  Gen.  H 's,  and  I  could  do  but  little  to 

help  liim,  for  in  10  minuti^s  it  was  swollen  terribly,  and  Icould  not  raise  it  to  my 
head.  Finally  I  was  ordered  back  to  an  old  saw-mill  about  a  mile  and  a  half 
from  the  field,  where  were  considerable  quantities  of  Quartermaster's  and  Com- 
missary stofcs,' with  orders -to  have  them  removed  further  to  the  rear;  and  all 
who  wef*  able  fo  conic  to  the  front,"  togefher  with  the  Surgieon  and  a  portion  of  ' 
the  Uospitaf  corps  who  had  beien  left  there  irt  charge  of  the  sick,  wer^to  lose  no' ' 
time  in  rcportiiig  thcn^sielvcs  for  duty  on  the  field.       ''  '  '      '  '  "•  "• 

Upon-arrhing  al  th^old  saw-mill  Ifoiind  it  crowded  with  wounded  men  v^ho^ 
had'criivfl^bd'thtt'tr  f'rbrfi  t^e  biatflefield,  to  have  their"  wounds  dressed  if  po."*-' 
sibleV  aiiid  if-"iTOl  W  licr'tfowh  aiid  suffer  where  the  shot  and  shell  could'nof  reftclri' 
theni    I  (ftfivrt'i'td  n'ly  orders.'  In  a  few  moments  more  thCre  was  not  a  Sbiil  left'*'" 
to  minister  to  thfisc  poor  felloes  fvho  were  huddled  together  in  th^t  mill  by'^tli'e" ' 
score', all  lind  gone  to  the  front,  aftd  I  was  left  therein  a  sad  plight.  '      * 

I  put  my  ^•iciolls  little  "Rcb"  in  a  building  near  the  mill,  where  there  was 
plenty  of  hay  and  corn,  but  did  not  dare  to  unsaddle  thim.  I  then  examined  the 
•xtent  of  the  injury  done  to  my  arm,  and  found  it  was  worse  than  I  had  sup- 
posed. It  was  badly  mangled  by  the  horse's  teeth,  and  in  one  place  a  large 
piece  of  flesh  was  torn  from  the  arm  and  hung  by  small  shreds.  But  the  arm 
was  not  the  worst;  he  had  kicked  me  in  the  side,  which  had  lamed  and  bruised 
mc  sadly. 

Yet  I'.iis  *a^no  time  to  groan  (f^er  a  slight  kick  from  a  horse,  when  so  many 
lay  around  iiicAviih  shattered  limbs  and  ghastly  saber  wounds,  some  of  them 
even  now  in  the  very  agonies  of  death.  So,  resolutely  saying  to  pain  and  lame- 
ness, "Sliiy  lliou  here  while  I  go  yonder,"  I  bound  up  my  arm  in  a  sling,  and 
sot  olv):it  removing  the  biood-clottdl  clothing  from  the  wounds  of  those  who 
needed  it  irioslf  but  having  neitherVnifeor  scissors,  I  wtis  obliged  in' many "^ 
instance's  (ousb  niy  l<?eth.  in  order  to  tear  the  thick  woolerl  garmentSs  stffferfed '^ 
and  ^atVjrated  tvitli 'blood,  the  very  rcmemberahce  of  which  now  rnakes  iie  fed*^ 


ADVENTUEES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDJER.        $» 


•}. 


.f»" 


rather  uncomfortable  in  the  gastric  rfsgipn;  }}ut  then  there  was  n<k  unpleasant  r^^ 
sensal^ .  ..(1  ■  !^    i     .f-   .■,     >   ^^    .j.,:;    jj. -j   .  ,    .,,    p    ^^  ,.:^  -v. 

The  next  thing  to  be  thought  of  was,  how  I  could  procure  some  bandages;  «' 
but  a&  to  getting  them  from  the  saddle-bags,  I  would  as  soon  have  tiiought  of 
bearding  a  lion  in  his  den,  as  of  tempting  the  jaws  of  that  ferocic^us  .enima}  .= . 
again.    Howevw,  there  were  two  houses  within  a  mile,  and  I  decided  to  try  my  ■' 
fortune  in  that  direction. 

First  of  all  I  went  among  the  sick,  who  were  left  there  by  the  Surgeon,  and  •: 
inquired  if  there  w.ctc  any  who  were  able  to  assist  me  in  dressing  wounds.    Ye%,   . 
I  found  two;  one  a  little  mail  carrier,  and  the  other  a  CommissaryrS^geant, 
both  of  whom  were  scarcely  able  to  stand  alone.    These  two  I  set  to  wprk  pour<  ♦ 
ing  cpld  water  upon  the  wounded  limbs  occasionally,  and  giying  the  men  water  /. 
to  drink  until  I  returned.  . 

At  the  first  house  I  went  to  they  would  not  let  me  in  at  all,  but  raised  the    ' 
window  and  wished  to  know  what  was  wanted.    I  told  them,  anything  that  . 
would  admit  of  tearing  up.  for  bandages.    No,  they  had  nothing  of  the  kind, . 
and  closed  the  window  again.  .  i, 

I  limped  along  to  the  next  hous^.  A  man  ci^ne  lo  the  door,  JioMuig  it,  to  .  ;• 
prevent  my  attemptmg  to  get  in.  ^he  sapue  question  was  a^ed,  and  a  similar  :■■? 
answ^rretitirped.  „  By  this  time  my  patience  and  strength  wvel^tb:«xhau9t«4  d; 
and  my  mind  was  made  up  with  regard  to  tjhe  course  I  shpuld  puntoa  ,     xm 

Therefore,  drawing  bc^h  my  pistols  from  qy  belt,  I  dfemanded  aopie  cotton, 
new  or, ol(|— sheets,  pillow-cases,  or  any  other  article  Xfhkh  wouM  an|swer  the  *; 
purpose  fcff  bandagep.    Thjs  man  jtren^bled  frwn  head  to  f 9Qt,  an4  called  hi».?.> 
wife  tokn^w  if  she  cpuld  let  jne  ha^cej^nyi^it^g  of  the  apsrt;  yes,  sh^  ppidd,  if  J    s* 
wouWpwr  h«^fo?,it;,^j)f. course  J  w^s  willing  tp  t>^y  her;  so  sfee  brought  mft   c 
an  old  sheet,  a  pair  (*(  piilowHcases,  and  three  yards  of  new  factory  cotton  cfoth,    ~ 
for  which  she  demuided  $5.    Happening  to  have  only  $3  in  change,  I  told  her 
I  thought  ttiat  would  be  sufficient;  and  so  saying,  I  left  immediiicijly. 

I  did  not  know,  until  I  had  proceedea  ^^me  distance,  that  the  blood  was  run-    > 
ning  frtmi  my  arm  in  a  perfect  stream..    In  my  excitonent  and  determinatkm,  I  .• 
had  grasped  one  of  my  pistols  with  the  lame  hand  and  started  those  terrible 
{(ashes  bleeding  afresh.    I  grew  faint  and  dizzy,  and  sat  down  by  the  roadside 
to  gather  a  little  strength  before  proceeding  farther. 

While  I  sat  there  Isaw  a  horsranan  coming  in  the  distance,  but  could  not  tell 
Whether  it  was  friwid  or  foe,  for  it  was  growing  dark.    I  waited  until  he  c«m«   . . 

nearer,  when  I  was  reJMced  to  see  that  it  was  a  Chaplain;  not  Mr.  B ,  btitof 

course  he  was  a  good  man,  being  a  Chaplain  and  a  Ped^al.    Sq  I  f dt  that  re- 
Hel  was  at^^and.    But  imagine  my  disappoiptmoit  and  chagrin  whm  he  came  -.y 
up  an<)^  priestJike,  kibked  u^n  Tne,  "ajnd  ^as|ied  fey  on  the  qUwr  side."  J 

WeUlj  af^  j^l  I  dijl  not  care  ^  njuc|i  foi-  mi^se)jf,  but  I  tluinked  l^eavjen  thai  !| 
he  had  conie  on  the  poor  ipen's  apcoiint,  for  he  would,  no  doubt,  dp  n^d^duiing  ! 
the  nignt  to  relieve  their  sufterings. 

ftidng  courage,  I  made  my  way  slowly  toward  the  mill,  where  I  ioumj^  <» 


my  arrival,  the  Chaplain,  disrtioiinted,  coat  off,  andwi6p  fhiubdJixAbing  alb^ 
brushing  every  speck  of  rtind  from  his  horse.  After  p^oilnifig  this  imi|Drtiuit 
duty,  he  then  went  to  the  nearest  house,  ordered  supper,  and  ^er  partakim^f  of 
a  warm  meal,  he  returned  to  the  mill. 

Oh  how  glad  I  was  that  all  these  preliminaries  were  gone  through  with,  wir 
now  he  would  at  once  enter  upon  the  care  of  the  wounded,  and  my  heart  ached 
for  those  two  sick  boys,  who  were  still  attending  to  the  wants  of  such  as  they 
could  assist,  notwithstanding  they  required  waiting  upon  themselves. 

The  wounded  were  coming  in  faster  than  ever,  and  I  W6is  busy  tearing  up  (he 
cotton  in  strips,  and  trying  to  bind  up  some  of  the  poor  mangled  limbs,  the  litUo 
sick  Sergeant  being  my  right-hand  man.  I  looked  around  for  the  Chaplain, 
but  he  was  nowhere  to  be  seen.  I  hobbled  out  to  the  building  where  I  had  seea 
him  put  his  horse,  to  see  if  he  had  really  gone  away. 

No,  he  had  not  gone.  There  he  lay  on  the  floor,  upon  which  was  a  quantit/ 
of  hay,  wreipped  up  in  his  blanket,  app^u-ently  unconscious  that  there  was  any 
such  thing  as  suffering  in  the  world.  Oh  how  I  wanted  to  go  to  him,  quietly 
Jay  my  hand  on  him,  and  say:  "Chaplain,  will  you  be  so  kind  its  to  take  the 
saddle  from  my  horse;  it  has  been  on  since  early  morning,  and  I  am  not  able  to 
take  it  off."  Not  that  I  cared  particularly  for  having  the  saddle  removed,  h\A 
just  for  sake  of  having  "Reb"  bring  the  Cha^dziin  to  his  senses,  and  give  him  s 
little  shaking  up,  so  that  he  might  realize  that  these  were  war  times,  and  that 
consequently  it  was  out  of  the  question  for  Chaplains  in  the  army,  especially  ia 
time  of  battle,  to  '  "     : 

Be  carried  to  the  skies 

On  flowery  beds  of  ease; 
While  others  fought  to  win  the  prize, 
And  sailed  through  bloody  seas. 

But  instead  of  doing  so,  I  sat  down  and  wept  bitter  tears  of  disappointment 
and  sorrow,  and  then,  with  a  heavy  heart  and  aching  limbs,  I  returned  again  to 
the  mill. 

All  thai  weary  night  my  heart  burned  with  indignation,  and  I  seemed  en- 
dowed with  supernatural  powers  of  endurance,  for  when  morning  came  and 
found  me  still  at  my  post,  without  having  tasted  food  for  24  hours,  I  felt  stronger 
and  fresher  than  I  had  done  the  day  before.  4 

My  two  young  sick  friends  had  been  persuaded  to  lie  down,  and  were  how 
fast  asleep,  side  by  side,  with  the  wounded.  But  where  was  the  Chaplain? 
What  had  become  of  him?  He  had  escaped  with  the  earliest  dawn,  witkout  so 
much  as  inquiring  whether  the  men  were  dead  or  alive.  This  was  the  conduct 
of  a  man  who  professed  to  be  a  faithful  follower  of  Him  who  went  about  doing' 
good!  This  was  a  man  whom  I  had  reverenced  and  loved  as  a  brother  in  Ch^t^ 
Oh,  what  a  stumbling-block  that  man  was  to  my  soul;  for  weeks  flAd  ihonfthi. 
Satan  took  occasion  to  make  this  a  sev^e  temptation  eind  trial  to  me. 

I  was  tempted  to  judge  every  Christian  by  that  unholy  example,  and  to  doubt 


ABVESIUfiES  OF  A  WOMAIT  AS  A.UNION  SOLDKB.        89 

the  truth  of  every  Christiftn  experience' which  I  heard  related  from  time  to  time. 
But,  thank  God,  I  had  the  example  of  my  faithful  friend,  Mr.  B.,  to  counter- 
balj^noB  this,  and^hy  ^Go^'s  ^race  I  was  enable^  to  rise  above  this  temptation. 

My^oubts  wer^gr^du^yremo,ved,  and  my  faith  in  Christians  re-established 
— Wt  I  never  .suiBcientty.  r^cov^red  from  my  feeKngs  of  disgust  towards  that 
particular  Chaplain  to  ever  again  be  able  to  persuade  myself  to  listen  to  a  ser- 
mon delivered  by  him,  or  to  attend  any  religious  meeting  at  which  he  presided. 

I  always  looked  upon  him  afterwards,  as  "one  who  had  stolen  the  livery  of 
heaven  to  serve  the  devil  in";  a  mere  whited  sepulchre,  and  unworthy  ^^e  sacred 
name  of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel. 

Oh,  may  our  sympathizing  breasts 

That  generous  pleasure  know; 
Kindly  to  share  in  others' joy. 

And  weep  for  othws' woe.  ^ 

■-'.■-  -  .\'   .    :'   ."' '. '  -"'.,,  ■' "■  _ 

When  poor  and  helpless  sons  of  grief 

In  deep  distress  are  laid;        ^ 
Soft  be  our  hearts  their  pains  to  feel. 

And  swift  our  hands  to  aid. 

...     ..     ,  ,.  On  wings  of  love  the  Saviour  flew,  ,.     v 

,         .   •    .    ,  To  bless  a  ruined  race;  - 

,-:    :     .      ,     .   We  would,  0  Lord,  thy  steps  pursue,  •  •. 

Thy  bright  example  trace. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


Renewal  of  the  Battle— Victory  for  the  Federal  Arms— Address  to  the  Army. 
More  Dispatches — My  Battle  Trophy — Pony  Reb's  Performances— The 
Hospital  Tree — Touchiug  Scenes — Bishop  Simpson — The  Cross  and  the 
Flag— After  the  Battle— Delays  by  Storms,  Floods  and  Mud— McClellan'» 
Cftll  for  More  Men — In  Readiness  to  March — Promised  Reinforcements. 

Night  brought  a  cessation  of  hostilities  to  the  weary  troops,  but  to  neither  side 
a  decided  victory  or  defeat  Both  armies  bivouacked  on  the  bloody  field, 
within  {^few  rods  of  each  other.  Th^re  they  lay  waitii^  fpr  ^  morning  light 
to  d^d^  tl^  content  ^     7     «:      J     ^    ;^.   '-i'-'S  1     '     ■;     ;    r    ': 

The  e^eiW^ment  and  din  of  bat^e  hadceasec^  those  bri^  hours  of  darknesi  • 

ji      r),      r        .      X..     :t.     i:      ^;       -,,%-',/    :r      ;■'       t      ;i        \        :,,  :x      v!        '    -f- 


to  NURSE  AND   SPY.  ,       ': 

proved  a  sweet  respite  from  the  fierce  struggle  of  the  day,  tuid  In  the  boly  calm 
of  tb»t  audaight  ho^r,  ^hen  si^j^e  b^ood^d  pvef  th)e  bl^-wasbed  pli^D,;faiaiy 
brave  soldiers  l«iy  down  on  thuit  gpry  jfield— "Th'^  wf^ry^  to  ^eeip  and  thi&  wpund- 

■  ^tojdie,""/: . ,  ;        ;  .^^  \^  \  :,  "  :,  ,  ;,, ;.  ^^  -":,,,,■■, 

Sunday, ^he  Ist  of  June,  dftwpedibe^utijfuUy,  a  da^  q^  hf^lo^edLre^  And 
promise  to  the  millions  who  rose  to  their  devotions,  ere  the  bell  oftUed  them  to 
the  house  of  prayer,  but  not  of  rest  to  the  weary,  broken  armies  the  drum-beat 
called  from  their  wet  and  muddy  beds  to  renew  the  contest. 

At  a  quai;ter-pasV7  o'clock  the  battle  again  commenced,  and  raged  fiwpdy 
until  about  noon.  Both  armies  fought  with  determination  and  heroic  bravery 
until  the  rebels  were  compelled  to  yield,  and  victory  once  more  perched  upon  the 
banners  of  the  National  troops.  , 

I  came  on  the  field  about  10  o'clock,  and  remained  until  the  close  of  the  battle^ 
but  could  do  little  more  than  look  upon  the  terrible  sc^e.  Gen.  McClellan  was 
on  the  field  when  I  arriv^.  I. saw  him  ride  along  the  entire  battle-front,  and 
if  I  had  not  seen  him,  I  could  not  have  long  remainied  in  ignorance  of  hi^  pres- 
eace— for  the  cheers  from  all  parts  of  the  Federal  lines  told  as  plainly  as  words 
could  express  that  their  beloved  commander  was  with  them,  amid  that  des- 
perate struggle  for  victory. 

It  was  a  terrible  slaughter— more  than  15,000  lay  upon  the  field.  It  was 
enough  to  make  angels  weep,  to  look  dpwn  upon  that  fi^ld  of  carnage,  '^he 
dead  and  wounded  of  the  memy  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Unipnists^^wii^ch 
added  fearfjully  to  the  labprs  of  that  extiausted^  be^ttle-wopi  ^crtty^    ,.    ^ 

On  thje  evening  of  the  3d  of  June,  G^n.  McClellan  jissued  the  foltowij^g  ad- 
dress to  his.  t|;()ops,  which  was  read  on.  dress  j)arj»de,  and  was  recidived  ^th 
tremendous  cheering:  :     i  r  -  .      ,> 

"Soldiers  of  the  ^rmy  of  the  Potomac!  I  hape  f^ilfilled.at  least  a  partof  my 
promise  to  you.  You,  are  now  face  to  fc^ce  JJfJtl^.the  re|jels,  wljo  a^e  ijeld  at  hay 
in  front  of  theii[  capital  The  fmal  and^dec^dve  battle  is  at  h^nd,  Vi]J§i5S  you 
belie  your  past  history,  the  result  c^not  be  for  a  moment  doubtful.  ,  If  the 
troops  who  labored  so  faithfvdly  at  Yorktown,  and  fought  so  bravely,  and  won 
the  bard  fr^jhts  at  Williamsburg,  West  Point,  Hanover  Court  House  and  Fair 
Oaks,  now  prove  themselves  worthy  of  their  antecedents,  the  victory  is  surely 
ours.  The.  events  of  every  day  prove  your  superiority;  wherever  you  have  met 
the  enemy,  you  have  beaten  him;  wherever  you  have  used  the  bayonet,  he  has 
given  way  in  panic  and  disorder. 

"I  ask  of  you,  now,  one  last  crowning  effort  The  enemy  h«s  staked  his  all 
on  the.  issue  oi  the  coming  battle.  Let  us  meet  him,  crush  him  here,  in  the  very 
ccntw  of  the  rebellion.  Soldiersl  I  will  be  with  you  in  this  battle,  and  share 
its  dangers  with  you.  Our  confidence  in  each  other  is  now  founded  iippn  the 
past.  Let  us  strike;  the  btow  which  is  to  restore  peace  and  union  to  .this  dis- 
tracted land.  ^  Upon  yo^r  yalor,  disciplii^e.  ^d  mutu^<  poi^fid^nce  the  rcf  utt 
depends."  j     ,',-,..     i     ,„  -  -»..  ;;    ..-.-  ,." 

,  ,Eyery  battle  fought  oi^  tb^  P^ni^itla  fearfully  t^w^di  4'^e  ^treogtl^  the 


*  -  ,'•  «  '  ■      '  - 

ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         M 

^Ariny  bf  the  Potomaic,  and  proVed  to  A  dehwrtiistrKtion  tliat  xhc'aiwiiy'far  oiit- 
Tiuiiibeted"  the  Utiion  forcci?.  Stfll  there  were  no  rcinforceih^hli;,  notwith- 
standing McClellqji's  daily  urgent  dispatches  to  the  Prcsideuiand  Secretary 
'of  WaH  and  the  ^reat  irfipehding  Kattlc  iii  front 'bf  the  rebel  ca|)ital  so  near  at 
hand.  -  '      '  •  '     '      * 

The  next  day  McClellan  sent  another  dispatch,  as  follows:  ' '  " 
"Please  inform  me  at  once  what  reinforcements,  if  an>-,  I  can  count  upon 
having  at  Fortress  Monroe  or  White  House,  within  the  ne?;t  three  days,  and 
when  each  regiment  may  be  expected  to  arrive.  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance 
that  I  should  know  this  immediately.  The  losses  in  the  jjattle  of  the  31st  and 
1st  will  amount  to  7,000.  Regard  this  as  confidential  for  the  present.  After 
the  losses  in  pur  last  battle,  I  trust  tUat  I  shall  no  longer  be  regarded  as  an 
alarmist.    I  believe  we  have  at  least  one  rao^e  desperate  battle  lo  tight." 

•  ,  The  day  after  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  a  .splendid  sword  was  presented  to  inti. 
It  had  been  struck  from  the  hand  of  a  rebel  Colonel,  while  in  tlic  net  <<{  niising  H 
to  ."itrikc  one  of  our  officers  after  he  had  fallen  from  his  horse.  Oh,  how  pf6ud 
I  felt  of  that  beautiful  silver-mounted  trophy,  from  the  bK')C(ly  licld  of  Fair 
Oaks,  which  had  so  recently  been  wieldal  by  a  powerful  arnii  but  powerless 
now,  for  he  lay  in  the  agonies  of  death,  while  his  splendid  sword  Itod  passed 
into  my  f feeble  hands.  I  presume  if  he  had  known  this,  it  \fblild  havd  addei 
another  pang  to  hLs  already  agonized  spirit.  '  '*  '- 

The  sworcl  w^&s  presented  by  Gen.  K ,  to  whoili  I  gave  my  fcbeJ  |)ony,  with 

'  the  Comforting  assursmcc  that  he  was  only  in  tended  for  ornameiit,  and  notior 
"<i'se;'for'^Generals  were  too  scarce'  on  the  Peninsula  to  risk  tKcIr  pl-fccious  lives 
by  coming  in  contact  with  him.  '  ' 

'  The  Genkal  was  delighted  with  him,  arid  without  pa\,>irig' the  slightest  at- 
tention to  lily  .suggestion  dellbCTately  Walked  tip  to  the  pfony  dh'd  conifticncai 

'  "/Jattlng  hint  anli  handling' his  linibs  as  if  he  were  the  mcstf  quiet'cVcatufe  in  the 

"  world,  while  "Reb"  stood  eyeing  his  new  master  with  apparent  satisfaction, 
and  seemed  to  rcjoicethat  he  htid  passed  from  my  insignificant  hands,  and  was 
henceforth  to  be  the  honored  bearer  of  shoulder-straps.  '   - 

After  thoroughly  examining  him  he  said:  "He  is  certainly' a  splendid  horse, 
and  worth  $300  of  any  man's  money;  all  he  requires  is  land  treatment,  and  he 
will  be  as  gentle  as  any  one  could  desire." 

But  "Reb"  very  soon  gave  him  to  understand  decidedly  that  he  was  ovcr- 
ratingiiis  good  qualities;  for  no  sooner  had  tlie  General  turned  his  l>ack  toward 
hhn  than  he  struck  him  between  the  shoulders  with  both  hind  feet,  sending  liim 
his  full  lengtli  upon  the  ground;  and  as  soon  as  he  attempted  to  rise  he  repeated 
the  same  i)erformancc  until  he  had  knocked  liim  down  four  or  five  tiriies  in  suc- 
cession.* By  that  time  the  General  was  pretty  thoroughly  convinced  that 
"Iteb's"  social  qualities  were  somewhat  deficieut,  his  bump  of  conibativ'entes 
largciy  developwl,  and  his  gymnastics  quite  impressive.  ^     -^     > 

''-    <>tf  the  evhiing  of  the  Scitne  day  in  which  ihc  ^ictory^vas  v,r>n  f  visited  what 
was  then  and  is  still  called  tlie  "hospital  tree,"  near  Fair  Oaks.    It  was  au  im- 


90  NUESE  AND  SPY. 

proved  a  sweet  respite  from  the  fierce  struggle  of  the  day,  and  in  the  holy  calm 
of  that  midnight  hour,  who)  silence  hrood^d  over  .the  blopd-vashed  plain,  many 
brave  soldiers  lay  down  on  that  gory  fiddr-Tbe  weary  to  sleepand  the  wound- 
ed io  die."  !     : 

Sunday,  the  1st  of  June,  dawned  beautifully,  a  day  of  hallowed  rest  and 
promise  to  the  millions  who  rose  to  thdr  devotions,  ere  the  bell  called  them  to 
the  house  of  prayer,  but  not  of  rest  to  the  weary,  broken  armies  the  drum-beat 
called  from  their  wet  and  muddy  beds  to  renew  the  ccuitest 

At  a  quarter-past  7  o'clock  the  battle  again  commenced,  and  raged  fiercely 
until  about  noon.  Both  etrmies  fought  with  determination  and  heroic  bravery 
until  the  rebels  were  compelled  to  yield,  and  victory  once  more  perched  upon  the 
banners  of  the  National  troops. 

I  came  on  the  field  about  10  o'clock,  and  remained  until  the  close  of  the  battle^ ' 
but  could  do  little  more  than  look  upon  the  terrible  scene.  Gen.  McCIellan  was 
on  the  field  when  I  arrived.  I  saw  liim  ride  along  the  entire  battle-front,  and 
if  I  had  not  seen  him,  I  could  not  have  long  remained  in  ignorance  of  his  pres- 
eace — for  the  cheers  from  all  parts  of  the  Federal  lines  told  as  plainly  as  words 
could  express  that  their  beloved  commander  was  with  them,  amid  that  des- 
perate struggle  for  victory. 

It  was  a  terrible  slaughter — more  than  15,000  lay  upon  the  field.  It  was 
Niouffh  to  make  angels  weep,  to  look  down  upon  that  field  of  carnage. ,  The 
dead  end  wounded  of  the  enemy  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Unionists,  which 
added  fearfully  to  the  labors  of  that  exhausted,  battle-worn  army. 

On  the  evening  of  the  3d  of  June,  Gen.  McCIellan  issued  the  following  ad- 
dress to  his  troops,  which  was  read  on  dress  parade,  and  was  received  with 
tremendous  cheering: 

"Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac!  I  have  fulfilled  at  least  a  part  of  my 
promise  to  you.  You  are  now  face  to  face  with  the  rebels,  who  are  held  at  bay 
in  front  of  their  capital.  The  final  and  decisive  battle  is  at  hand.  Unless  you 
belie  your  past  history,  tl»c  result  cannot  be  for  a  moment  doubtful.  If  the 
troops  who  labored  so  faithfully  at  Yorktown,  and  fought  so  bravely,  and  won 
the  hard  H^hts  at  Williamsburg,  West  Point,  Hanover  Court  House  and  Fair 
Oaks,  now  prove  themselves  worthy  of  their  antecedents,  the  victory  is  surely 
ours.  The  events  of  every  day  prove  your  superiority;  wherever  you  have  met 
the  enemy,  you  have  beaten  him;  wherever  you  have  used  the  bayonet,  he  has 
given  way  in  panic  and  disorder. 

"I  ask  of  you,  now,  one  last  crowning  effort.  The  enemy  h«>s  staked  his  all 
on  the  issue  of  the  coming  battle.  Let  us  meet  liim,  crush  him  here,  in  the  very 
colter  of  the  rebellion.  Soldiers!  I  will  be  with  you  in  this  battle,  and  share 
its  dangers  with  you.  Our  confidoice  in  each  other  is  now  founded  upon  the 
past  Let  us  strike  the  blow  which  is  to  restore  peace  and  union  to  this  dis- 
tracted land.  Upon  your  valor,  discipline  and  n^utual  confidence  the  result 
depends." 

,  Every  battle  fought  on  the  Peninsula  fearfully  reduced  the  strength  of  the 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER. 


■  Atmy-of  the  Potomiac,  and  pr6^•cd  i(/n  demonstration  that  tlitcncmy  fa 
'■  nmnbered  the  Union  forces.    Still  there  were  no  rdnfftrccnu-A'ts.'  noi 
standing  McClellan's  daily  urgent  dispatches  to  the  President  and  Seer 
^f  War,  and  the  great  impending  battle  in  front  of  the  rebel  capital  so  in 
hand.  • 

•  The  next  day  McClellan  sent  another  dispatch,  as  follows: 

"Please  inform  me  at  once  what  reinforcements,  if  any.  1  can  count 
havmg  at  Fortress  Monroe  or  White  House,  within  the  next  tlircc dayi 
when  e&ch  regiment  may  be  expected  to  arrive.  It  is  of  the  utniosl  impor 
that  I  should  know  this  immediately.  The  losses  in  the  hatllc  of  the  ;Jls 
1st  will  amount  to  7,000.  Regard  this  as  confidential  for  the  present, 
the  losses  in  our  last  battle,  I  trust  that  I  shall  no  longer'  be  regarded  t 
alarmist    I  beHeve  we  have  at  least  one  more  desperate  batilo  to  fiffht." 

The  day  after  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  a  splendid  swore!  war.  prcfjonlcd  i 
It  had  l)een  struck  from  the  hand  of  a  rebel  Colonel,  while  ii!  the  r.^t  <>•  r.iisi 
to  strilie  one  of  our  oHicers  after  he  had  fallen  from  his  horse.  Oh,  how  i 
I  felt  of  that  Ix-autiful  silver-mounted  trophy,  from  tlie  Mtx (l\'  lUKi  >>{ 
Oaks,  which  had  so  recently  been  wielded  by  a  powerful  arm,  b)ii  powc 
now,  for  he  lay  in  the  agonies  of  dciath,  while  his  splendid  sword  hvA  p: 
into  my  feeble  hands.  I  presume  if  he  had  knowni  this,  it  Would  liavc  a 
another  piing  to  his  already  agonized  spirit. 

The  sword  was  presented  by  Gen.  K ,  to  whom  Igave  my  rebel  iwny, 

the  comforting  assuriance  that  he  was  only  intended  for  ornament,  and  nc 
iise;  for  Generails  were  too  scarce  on  the  Peninsula  to' risk  their  precious 
by  coming  in  contact  with  him. 

The  General  was  deUghted  with  him,  and  without  paying  the  slightej 
tenlion  to  my  .suggestion  deliberately  walked  up  to  the  pony  and  comme 
patting  him  and  handling  liLs  limbs  as  if  he  were  the  most  quiet  creatiire  b 
world,  while  "Reb"  stood  eyeing  his  new  master  with'  apparent  satisfac 
and  seenied  to  rejoice  that  he  had  passed  from  my  insignificant'liands,  and 
henceforth  to  be  the  honored  bearer  of  shoulder-straps. 

Aftty  thoroughly  examining  him  he  said:  "He  is  certainly  a  .splendid  h^ 
and  worth  S300  of  any  man's  money;  all  he  requires  is  kind  treatment,  an 
will  be  as  gentle  as  any  one  could  desire." 

But  "Reb"  very  .soon  gave  him  to  understand  decidedly  that  he  wast 
rating  liis  good  qualities;  for  no  sooner  had  the  General  turned  his  back-  tOA 
him  than  he  struck  him  between  the  shoulders  with  both  hind  feet,  sending 
his  full  length  upon  the  ground;  and  as  soon  as  he  attempted  to  rise  hi',  rcpc 
the  sjune  jierformance  until  he  had  knocked  him  down  four  or  five  times  in 
cession.  Hy  that  time  the  General  was  pretty  thorongh'K-  convinced*' 
"Reb's"  social  qualities  wore  somewhat  dcHcieut  his  bump  o;'  comliatlvc 
largely  developed,  and  Ills  gymnastics  quite  impressive. 

Oh  the  e\'cniiig  of  the  same  day  in  which  the  victory  wtis  won  I  visited  \ 
was  then  and  is  still  called  tiic  "hospital  tree,"  ne^tr  Fair  Oaks.    It  was  an 


r  '•  ♦ .  "i ' i-?TiP,  *  '•\;-'t'^',p.  r' 


4  -    ■  ■ 


~:-^/' 


mense  tree  under  wIiorp  «i,  j  '  * 

"Theraisat^t"?^  ™r  "-"earning,,.  ^"^    ""^  "'»'  • 

"WhatheXeldt    ""^^'^'^^'^^y-  '"^''^^^^^^'^^^-^  surgical 

bore  the  necessary  p'obj^/^""^^'  ^^^  «ot  mortri^h^!' ^^^^'^'^^ 

J  ne  other  case  was  thnf^fr.-      .  -^  •""loat 

Oh  who  that  h  *^*"*«r  the  spirit  had      • 


«?..  .«'■  ■-' ; .  ^1  !V.  r. jEt'«.", - 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.         « - 

triun^hantspicits  would  go  home  rejoicing  to  be  forever  with  the  Lord!  Whm  ^ 
I  see.A  man^firrt  lay  himself  upon  the  altar  of  God,  and  then  uix)n  the  altar  of  ' 
his  country,  I  have  no  fear  for  that  man's  happiness  in  time  or  in  eternity. 

Go6d  Bishop^iihpson,  of  the  Metliodist  Episcopal  Church,  soon  after  the 
outbreak  of  the  great  rebellion,  delivered  a  sermon  on  the  National  crisis  at 
Chicago.  It  is  repcesoited  as  one  of  the  ablest  efforts  of  this  clergyman,  so 
distinguished  for  his  power  in  the  pulpit.  As  it  was  one  of  the  anniversaries 
of  the  denomination,  thousands  were  present  to  hear  the  discourse.  Suddenly 
at  one  point  in  the  sermon,  and  as  the  fitting  close  of  a  most  impassioned  para> 
graph,  he  gave  utterance  to  the  following  noble  sentiment:      '  ,  ■'* •  -f-  "  '^'^••'^;     r 

"We  will  take  our  glorious  flag,  the  flag  of  our  country,  and -nail  it  jujsl  bc^ow 
the  cross!    That  is  high  enough.    There  let  it  wave  as  it  waved  of  old.    Aroimd, 
it  let  us  gather;  first  Christ's;  then  our  country's."    Oh,  that  the  sentiments  oi 
the  following  beautiful  lines  were  the  sentiments  of  every  heart  in  the  United 
StatttK-.-.. 

'  O  Lord  of  Hosts!    Almighty  King!  -       •         '-    v 

.  .  X  B^Ktld  the  sacrifice  we  bring!  '    '       *  •' 

To  every  arm  thy  strength  impart,  '•  >         •   »•  - 

Thy  spirit  shed  through  every  hearti  -    ■     .  •' 


i    .?.•;:       f  Wake  in  ou^brgasts  the  living  fires,  i     -i    -^1  :._■;;     1     .. 

-    jv  3  -f  iTh«!  holy  faith  that  warmed  our  sires;      •         >       [  * 

J:   ;j -i  .  .^  Thy  handhath  made  our  Nati<m  free.  r  ,-,    «. ,  ;.    li 

:■■>•)  ■:{■':  Todie/for  her  is  serving  Thee.  >  t  ^'t.  ,  Sj- >...  t.- .h 

■...■:   w    .  .:  ..:  .  >      ,:      i    ■-!    ;:^-  ■>      ).      >■     '.    .    ■     :     -^"---i   :'-'     .--■*'   -X; 

t  ..     -f  Be  Thou «  piUar'd  flame  to  show  /i.;;;->     .   *  ■;    i^ 

ii  ' ;   r .  Thomidnight;snare,:!theisilent  foe,  .  i  ■■  r-i-^-f.    K';.. 

And  when  the  battle  thunders  loud,  •. 

:j.  Still  guide  us  in  its  moving  cloud.  v     .     *  > 

,  » .        ■       •  ■        "  ■'      . .'  -i'       * '   ■  ■ ' 

^:  God  of -all  nations!  sovereign  Lord!  ..;.;    .     ■  i  ..;j 

..!.;..  rt  In  thy  dread  name  we  draw  the  sword,  w       V:  >  ■ 

We  lift  the  starry  flag  on  high  •.  -'.,.," 

...   j:    .    .  That  fills  with  Ught  our  stormy  sky.  .  .*,':...- 

. "    .X -•  .  No  more  its  flaming  emblems  wave  .^ '     ■> 

!.  r;  ;  .":    .  To  bar  from  hope  the  trembling  slave;  ,;  * 

,.-..•.!',  No  more  its  radiant  glories  shine  -'      ..    -  ":y 

... ..     *  To  blast  with  woe  one  child  of  Thine!  '  ■ 

i    *  ■,  i  A  i  Etov^  treaspn's  rent,  from  murdererfs  stain,   *   "    ^  "''  ■  - 

-}    J     i     \  Guard  Thou  its  folds  till  peace  shall  reign,  '     *•'     ».    ,.    3 

-*    .v,j4  Till  fort.and  field,  till  shore  and  sea,  t     >     «     «     «  ■" 

I    i     ■  JpinAOUi  loud  dnthemj  Piaise  to  Thee!  \    j     »     1     f     • '  ? 


I  ■ 

I  cAnnot  better  describe  the  state  of  affairs  after  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks  than 
by  giving  the  following  dispatch  from  McClellan,  dated  June  7: 

"In  reply  to  your  dispatch  of  2  p.  m.  to-day,  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  the 
Chickahominy  River  has  risen  so  as  to  flood, the  entire  bottoms  to  the  depth  of 
three  or  four  feet;  I  am  pushing  forward  the  bridges  in  spite  of  this,  and  the  men 
are  working  night  and  day,  up  to  their  waists  in  water,  to  complete  them.  The 
whole  face  bt  the  country  is  a  perfect  bog,  entirely  impassa1}Ie  for  artillery,  or" 
even  cavalry,  except  directly  in  the  narrow  roads,  which  renders  any  g-eneral 
movement,  either  of  this  or  the  rebel  army,  entirely  out  of  the  question  until  we 
'  have  more  favorable  weather.  I  am  glad  to  learn  that  you  are  pressing  for- 
ward reinforcements  so  vigorously.  I  shall  be  in  perfect  readiness  to  move 
forward  and  take  Richmond  the.moment  McCall  reaches  here  and  the  ground 
will  admit  the  passage  of  artillery.  I  have  advcinced  my  pickets  about  a  mile, 
to-day,  driving  off  the  rebel  pickets  and  securing  a  very  advantageous  posi- 
tion. The  rebels  have  several  batteries  established,  commanding  thedehouche 
from  two  of  our  bridges,  and  fire  upcm  our  working  parties  continually;  but  as 
yet  they  have  killed  but  few  of  our  men." 

Again,  June  10,  he  says: 

"I  am  corapletelychecked  by  the  weather. !  The  roads  and  fields  are  literally 
impassable  for  artillery — almost  so  for  iinfanti*y.  The  Chickahominy  'is  in  a.  r 
dreadful  state.  :  We  have  (another  rain  storm  on  our  hands.  I  wish  to  be  dis-^ 
tinctly  understood- that  whenever  the  weather  permits!  will  attack  with  what-r 
ever , force  Irmay  have,  although  a  larger  force  would  liable  me  to  gain  much-, 
more  dceisive  results.  I  would  be  glad  to  haveMcCall's  infantry  sent  forwiard^ 
by  water  at  once,  \^ithbut  waiting  far  his  artillery  and  cavalry."       >  s- 

The  next  day  the  Secretary  of  War  replied:  ?      • 

"Your  dispatch  of  3:30  p.  tfj.  yesterday  has*  been  received*  I  ara  fully  im-v 
pressed  with  the  difficulties  mentioned,  and  which  no  art  or  skill  can  avoid,  but 
only  endure.  Be  assured.  General,  that  there  never  has  been  a  moment  when 
my  desire 'has  been  otherwise  than  to  aid  you  with  my  whole  heart,  mind  and 
strength,  since  the  hour  we  first  met;  and  whatever  others  may  say  for  their  own 
purposes,  you  never  have  had,  and  never  can  have,  any  one  more  truly  your 
friend,  or  more  anxious  to  support  you,  or  more  joyful  than  I  shall  be  at  the  suc- 
cess which  I  have  no  doubt  will  soon  be  achieved  by  your  arms," 

The  above  dispatch  has  the  appearance  of  the  genuine  article — but  I  am 
inclined'  to  think  it  a  clever  counterfeit.  While  McClellan's  requests  were 
cheerfully  complied  with,  as  far  as  promises  were  concerned,  little  was  done 
to  strchgthten  his  weakened  forces  in  view  of  the  coming  struggle  with  an  over- 
whelming force  in  front  and  the  flooded  Chickahominy  in  the  rear. '  By  un- 
reliable jxromiste  he  Was  filled  with  flelusivft  h<Spes',  and  fed  dn  td  more  bertainP 
destruction*— Id  disaster  and' faihirc,  al  le&st. '      ?  '    •'     ■     ^ 

i     V  ■■'■    ■  ■        '     ■■■      -  '      '     f      1     !i      r  ■  <  !:  ■;    '^     ■'■■    ? 

.     ■■:(•■  -     c    (.''■■    f    ■'■      ■        ■  <      •     -i      I     ;  }  .   v     •;■    I     ■       ■    J, 

'i      Z       ,:.■<•■       t  ;       :       '!  ;'      a  .'   1         ■  ■■: 


c 


ADVENTUBES  OF  A  %6h1n  iAS^A  tJKtOK  80tDI£E.        95 

^<5;vi*    .1  ■  \    y    i     c    '::.    ■■.      r.   .:.  .    -i  r.  ^  t  ■  i:    i  I  r  It,  •r..;i>-  ] 

\  -■    I      I   ■  i:    u.    r.    ■-.      f;      I  X  .  i.      ■■   ■-■■     I  V  V.    v   :  - 

fi-    j6"    ^-   tr    .      T     f    •'      i      .      h  :  -J.  )'■■  i      .  '-  ■'.:.::.'' 

CHAPTER  XV.  :,       ; 

Leave  of  Absence— Visit  to  the  WilliMnsburg;  Hospitals— Effeetivol^refMihlnf.  '- 
Yorktown  Rensited — Longings — Wliite  House  Landing-^TIred  oMdlenesi-' 
Prepari^tions  to  Return  to  Duty— ;Stuart's  tlavalry  Raid— A  Train  Fired 
Into — Fair  Oaks  Grove — The  Stroigth  of  the  Enraiy — Trjring  Times  on  th« 
Peninsula — The  Endurance  of  Our  Soldiers — Labors  of  Mr.  A]v<xrd.        -    ' 

While  preparations  were  going  on  fdr  the  great  battle  in  frontof  Richmond, "  ^ 
I  obtained' leave  of  absence  for  a  Week,  and  recruited  my  shattered  hcalih, ' 
lame  ^de  and  arm.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  were  both  gone  Ipme  on  furlough,  and 
Nellie  was  at  the  Williamsburg  Hospital.    I  thotight  I  should  like  1o  visit  the 
different  hospitals,  while  I  was  thus  riding  round  from  place  to  place  in  search 
of  something  of  interest.    I  visited  Williamsburg  Hospitals,  both  Union  and- 
rebel,  and  found  many  things  amusing  and  interesting. 

Nellie  wasdelightdd  to  sec  me,  and  told  me  much  of  her  experieilws  siiire  the 
battle  of  Williamsburg.    Her  hand  was  still  in  a  sliiig,  which  reminded  m(  «l.  *^ 
my  first  ^ot  at  a  rebel  female;    She  was  a  most  faithful  nurse,  and  had  c.i-  ^' 
dearedrheiseif^  to  all  the  boys  by  her  kindness  and  patierice  toward  them.  >  She    i 
introdncedm?  to  several  of  her  favorites,  catling  each  by  some  pet  name,  to*    - 
whichlhey  seraned  to  answeir  as  a  matter  of  course.    I  spent  a  day  and  a  night    ' 
there,  and  attended  a  meeting  in  tiie  evening,  w^ich  was  held  by  a  minLster    ' 
from  the  Christian  Commission  for  the  bqnefit  of  the  wounded  sokUers:  ^  Oh/ 
what  a  s^mon  was  that!    The  tendei^  mercies  of  the  Father,  the  !loT«  of  tlie 
Son  of  God,  were  described;  the  wailings  of  the  lost  and  the  raptures  of  the    ^ 
redeemed  were  portrayed  in  the  most  powerful  and  touching  manner.    I  have  .'i 
never  heard  the  sinner  invited  to  the  cross  in  more  persuasive  strains  ihaii    " 
flowed  from  his  lips.  ■■_■■■. 

His  count«jance  was  pleasing,  his  manners  courteous,  and  his  dep<M-lment  'i  ■' 
unassuming.    He  did  not  preach  one  of  those  high-toned,  intdlcctual  dis^   ? 
courses  which  we  so  often  hear,  and  which  almost  invariably  fail  to  reach  the  *- 
heart,    But  he  preached  Chritet  with  such  winnmg  simplicity,  such  fofgetful- 
ness  of  self,  and  with  such  an  eager  yearning  after  souls,  that  even  the  most . , . 
dqpraved  wflre  melted  to  tears.    How  sQul-refrcshing  is  this  tample  mode  of  ';: 
preachmg!    I  seem  to  see  him  standing  before  me  now,  with  uplifted  hands,     ■ 
glowing  cheeks  and  streaming  eyes — and  though  I  have  forgotten  much  of  the  '; 
ducour^  yet  (I  c^  ^sti^ct^  rem^ber  t}ie  pipces£gon  iwhicb  jt  madif  upoa^  ^-vt 
me  thMi.    It  was  gpod,  humbling,  purif^mg.   <Hei  was  evidently;  not  a  highly-i     « 
educated  man,  yet  he  proclaimed  the  imsearchable  riches  of  Christ  in  such  a 
way  as  to  make  the  proudest  eloquence  and  the  most  profound  philosophy 
seem,  in  comparison,  "like  sounding  brass  or  tinkling  symbaL"        ;  ' 


98  NUESE  AND  SPT. 

t  .        .  i.- 

Often,  when  hearing  a  certain  class  of  ministers  preach,  I  am  reminded  of 

the  saying  of  a  good  Baptist  clergymtin  with  regard  to  A and  B ,  two 

ministers  of  his  own  denomination:    "When  I  hear  Brother  A preach, 

I  am  in  love  with  the  man;  but  when  J  hear  Brother  B preach,  I  am  in  love 

with  Jesus."  This  is  the  kind  of  preaching  we  want— that  which  makes  us 
fall  in  love  with  Jesus,  instead  of  the  preeicher.  Oh,  that  there  were  more  of 
Christ  and  less  of  self  preached. 

After  leaving  WilUamsburg,  I  kept  on  down  the  Peninsula  until  I  came  to 
Sotkiowa.  After  visitang  the  hospitals  there,  I  then  went  to  the  old  camp 
where  I  had  spent  so  many  weeks.  There  were  the  dear  old  familiar  places, 
but  all  that  gave  them  interest  were  gone  now.  The  old  sav.-mill,  too,  was 
gone,  and  all  that  remained  was  a  heap  of  ruins  to  tell  where  it  once  stood. 
But  there  was  a  spot  imdisturbed,  away  in  the  corner  of  the  peach  orchard, 
under  an  isolated  pear  tree,  a  heaped-up  mound,  underneath  which  rested  the 

noble  form  of  Lieut  V .    It  was  sweet  to  me  to  visit  this  spot  once  more. 

I  knew  that  in  all  probability  it  would  b^  the  last  time;  at  least  for  a  long  period, 
perhaps  forever. 

.  Whoi  this  frail  body  shall  be  done  with  earth, 
And  this  heart  shall  be  free  from  care; 
When,  my  spirit  enters  that  other  world, 
Oh,  say,  shall  I  know  thee  there? 

When  the  last  hours  of  life  are  closing  around 

And  death's  summons  cometh  to -me;  * 

Will  God  send  an  angel  messenger  down?  . 

Shall  I,  know  the  bright  spirit  as  thee? 

Rest,  weary  heart,  rest  patient  and  wait, 

Till  thy  happiness  cometh  to  thee; 
Thou' It  meet  and  thou' It  know  when  thou  gainest  that  shore 

Which  opes  to  eternity. 

From  Yorktown  I  went  to  the  White  House  Landing,  where  everything 
looked  neat,  orderly,  peaceful  and  happy  as  a^uiet  little  country  village. 
The  grounds  were  laid  out  in  broad  streets  and  squares,  which  were  swept 
clean  as  a  floor,  and  there  were  long  rows  of  snow-white  tents,  with  their  neatly- 
printed  cotton  sign-boards  "to  guide  the  traveler  on  his  way"  to  the  different 
Headquarters,  Provost-Marshal,  hospital,  sutlers,  blacksmith,  etc. 

After  spending  a  day  there,  and  beginning  to  feel  tired  of  idleness,  I  mads 
up  my  mind  to  return  to  camp  again.     So  going  to  Col.  Ingalls,  I  procured 
transportation  for  myself  and  horse,  and  stepping  aboard  of  a  provision  train 
destined  for  Fair  Oaks  Station,  I  anticipated  a  pleasant  ride;  but,  as  usual,  was . 
blessed  with  quite  a  little  adventure  before  I  reached  my  destination. 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        9? 

The  train  started,  ^nd,  af  tfr  stealing  over  the  road  for  some  Urbe  at  its  usual 
rate,  had  reached  thcviciiuty  of  TunstaiU's  Station,  when  we  heard  the  down- 
train  whistle,  and  immediately  after  a  sharp  volley  of  musketry  was  fifed  in  the 
same  direction.  The  engineer  switched  6fiF  the  track,  and  awaited  ihe  other 
train.  It  came  thundering  on  as  if  the  enginew  was  poss^ed  by  the  sauve 
qui  pcul  spirit,  and,  as  it  passed,  the  wildest  confusion  was  visible  on  board, 
and  the  grdans  of  the  wounded  could  be  heard  above  the  screaming  of  the 
engine.    On  it  went,  like  a  streak  of  lightning,  signaling  for  our  train  to  follow. 

There  was  no  time  to  be  lost;  our  train  was  immediately  in  hot  pursuit  of,  the 
other,  and  both  were  soon  at  tlie  White  House.  Among  those  I  saw  taken  from 
the  cars,  wounded,  was  the  spy  whom  I  had  met  in  the  rebel  camp  in  front  of 
Yorktown,  and  heard  haranguing  his  fellow-countrymen  upon  the  important 
seivice  he  had  rendered  the  Confederate  Government,  and  confessing  himself 
to  be  the  cause  of -Lieut.  V 's  death. 

Everything  was  thrown  into  wild  confusion  by  the  arrivalof  the  trains  and 
the  nbw3  of  the  attack.  The  troops  at  the  White  House  were  immediately 
called  out  under  arms  to  protect  the  depot.  All  this  excitement  had  been  pro- 
duced by  a  detachment  of  Stuart's  cavalry,  consisting  of  about  1,500  men, 
and  which  resulted  in  the  slight  disaster  to  the  train,  the  burning  of  two  schoon- 
ers Isiden  with  forage  and  14  Government  wagons,  the  destruction  of  some 
sutler's  stores,  the  killing  9f  several  of  the  guard  and  teamsters,  ^me  damage' 
done  to  Tunstairs  Station,  and  the  tearing  up  of  a  portion  of  thie  rajlro«uL 
There  was  but  little  damage  done  to  the  train,  considering  that  ihere  were  dOO' 
passengers. 

Some  military  officers  of  high  rank  were  on  board,  who  would  have  been  a 
rich  prize  for  the  rebels  if  they  had  succeeded  in  capturing  the  train,  bu^  it  had' 
eluded  their  grasp  by  the  admirable  conduct  and  presence  of  mind  of  the  mgi- 
neer,  who  crowded  on  all  possible  steam,  and  escaped  with  his  freight  of  human , 
life  with  only  a  loss  of  14  in  killed  and  wounded. 

As  soon  as  the  wounded  were  taken  care  of  I  visited  the.Provostr-Marshal, 
and  made  known  Uie  fact  th&t  there  was  among  the  woundeid  a  rebelspy  who 
required  immediate  attention.  He  sent  a  guard  witji  me,  who  searched  his 
person  and  found  satisfactory  proof  that  my  statement  was  correct.  '  He  was 
only  shghtly  wounded,  and  by  the  time  the  railroad  was  repaired  he  was  able  to 
bear  the  fatigue  of  a  journey  to  Headquarters,  and  I  returned  to  camp. 

On  the  25th  of  June,  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks  Grove  was  fought  Hookw's 
command  haA  been  ordered  to  occupy  a  new  and  important  position,  when 
they  were  suddenly  attacked  while  passing  through  a  dense  thicket  fuiid  almost 
impassable  swamp.  The  foe  was  gradually  pushed  back  imtil  he  was  obliged 
to  seek  safety  behind  his  rifle-pits.  About  noon  Gen.  McClellan,  who  had 
remained  ai  Headquarters  to  communicate  with  the  left  wing,  rode  upon  the 
field  and,  to  the  jpy  of,  his  soldiers,  ordered  them  again  to  adyanfee.  ;  The  ordef 
was  cheerfully  obeyed,  and,  after  renewed  desperate  fighting,'  at  sunset  ttie^daf 
was  won  by  the  Federal  arms.  ,     '  '"   •    * 


irw' 


AifthiM>tMlB  it  wea  npt  fiec^ssary  for  sneitoHaseany/sirati^efi  ia  <»darKto  tr 
risH  the  i«()b^  eocamptoent,  fo|-3aH  that  \vas  «ecdssaJ^y  tp^bfe  kno^  of  ih«  rdbd  r 
force  <Bnii  tttovenoBfit^ ,  ha4  b^enralFpadi^  aficertaiikedt    GonsQ(}umt]y  i  iips  « 
quietly  Swwutingifurther  developments,  and  while  waiting;  was  trying  to  mak* 
myself  genei»Uy  usefult^  the  hospitals..    A.  singular  pasie  came  under  my 
notice  there:  that  of  a  man  being  stunned, by, the-  ntAh/^ftprfUBfih  of- a  cannon 
ball.r  ■  tt  did  not  come  in  <»ntact  with  even  his  clothings  ^nd  yet  be  was  knocked  ■ 
do^ti^  senseless,  and  for  several  days  he  could  neither  hear  nor  speak. 

I  thiiikithe  most  tf yirig^  time  that  the  Army  otthe  Potomac  ever  had  on  A« 
Prai'nsu'a  was  in  front  of '.Richmond,  just  before  the^ven  «J^ys'  battle— UiJat  ■ 
is  lo^say,  if  Miythiiig  could  be  worse  than  the  seven  days'  battle  itself.    A 
heavy  and  almost  incessant  firing  was  kept  up  day  and  nigixt  alon  ;  the  totire  ; 
left  wihg,  and  the  men  ^ere  kept  in  those  rifle  pits  (to  say,  in  water  to  the  kncies 
is  a  very  moderate  estimate)  day  after  day,  until  they  looked  like  fit  subjects 
for  the  hospital  'or  lunatic  asylum,  and  those  troc^  in  camp  who  were  not  . 
supposed  to  be  on  duty,  but  were  kept  in  reserve,  were  often  called  out  10  times  < 
inohen'ght. .  The  firing  would  become  so  alarmingly  hot  that  jt  was  supposed 
a  general  engagement  w£kS  at  hand;  but  on  going  out  to  the^front,  perhaps,  it  , 
would  cease  for  4  moment,  then  they  would  be  orde/ed^beick  tp  c^mp  again; 
In  tha^ai^ltiyv  l^^ve  -kiio\ni  ,tjtie  ^tire  f  9rc0  to  (be.  )ixpi  in  motion  almost  ait   ^ 
nigh*»^^4'*^^^^**'*°5^^^''^*'**'^^''8:ovtc^thei  question;;  ^^    >  ^>    ^o  Si 

It  soon  became  evident  that  th^re;:^a$  soQie  movement  pn.  footfvhidh  ^^  nd|  ■,■* 
understood  by  the  great  mass  of  the  army,  and  I  have  no  doubt  it  was  a  good 
thing  that  the  troops  did  not  even  imagine  that  a  retreat  was  already  being 
plaimed  by  their  commander.  The  meh  ehduTed  all  these  hardships  most  un- 
complainingly— yes,  cheerfully,  and  every  day  was  supposed  to  be  the  last  ere 
they  would  walk  the  streets  of  Richmond  triumphantly,  and  thus  reap  the 
frtiitr-  of  their  Summer's  campaign. 

Th«  consi«viit  fire  kept  up -along  the  entire  lihe  a|}d  the  frequent  charges' 
made'upon  rifle-pits  rapidly  increased   the  numbef^i^  the  hospital,  and  k^ 
the  Surgeons  and  nurses  busy  night  and  day,  and  then  they. cQuM  not  attendf 
to  all  who  required  assistance. .  Just  at  this  partiqul^r,  jui^ct^^re  I  remembV 
the  timely  aid  afforded  by  the  members  of  the  Chris^i^  Commission  and  Tract 
Society.    They  brought  relief  not  only  in  one  sense,  but  in  many.    Spiritual 
f ood  f or^  the  huftgry,  dying  soldier — consolation  for  th^wornout  and  discour- 
agedT-delicatiies  for  the  sick  arid  feeble— warm-gushing,  heart  syinprf't:  for 
the  suffering,  and  actual  eissistance  with  their  own  hands  jn  cases  uf  air.-^  ■'*:-■ 
tions^and  the  removal  of  the  sick  from  one  place  to  another  •  «Rev.  Mr.  -^ '  ^     1 
gives  a  very  modest  account  of  the  services  which  he  rjBnd^ed,,whcn  he  ti'iys: 
"1  went  to  the  h^pitals,  where  I  worked  hQur;after  hpurwith  JhcSurgofjiixji'i    - 
MenoWQ|^..bi{ougM|in)With  41  SQrts»'of  ,woynd«.  ;^«fge«ns^Ave<ie  scaroe  andt 
were  meftgi^  in  aq^pf^tations^  sew  yqju  k<jovY,  l.«ouW-«»tteiidta<H»n')r  in^ttcrssT 
Wheisp  tljjB.l^lljjt  hftd  gon*  through  fcnoduV;  05  li,aih,-t  c^Hld  drjiss  it  iJj^rhjjp^jfts  >, 
well  as  any  one;  also,  aJ^se^tspf  fleshiW0pnc|$.  tl  cann|it  tfil  ^u^f  t^>>|»ri<;ty  ^    . 


'^^ 


,  .UUIISIIIMIIHII . 


83  _..,  .  ...N,URSE  ANDSRY.        ,     ,  .  -j 

At  this  time  it  was  not  r^ecessan'  for  me  to  use  any  stratajgem  in  oilier  'U> 
visit  the  r/ebei  encampment,'  for  all  that  was  riecessJiry  to  W'knowri  of  the  rebel  .. 
force  an4  naovenjents  had  been  already  aicer'tainedv   Cbnseqifently  J  was  ' 
quietly  awaiting  further  deyelqpmenls,  and  while  waiting  Wastrj-ing  to  jnalke  ,: 
myself  generally  usefuf  Jn  the  hospitals.     A  s'ihgiuiar  case  came  under  my 
notice  there:  that  of  a  man  being  stunned  by  the '  near  approach  of  a  cannon 
ball.    It  did  not  come  in  contact  with  even  his  clothing,  and  yet  he  was  knocked 
down  senseless,  and  for  several  days  he  could  neither  hear  nor  speak. 

I  think  the  most  trying  time  that  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  ever  had  on  the 
Pen'nsu'a  was  in  front  of  Richmond,  justfbefoi%  the  seven  days'  battle — that 
is  lo  say,  if  anything  could  be  worse  than  the  seven  days'  battle  itself.  A 
heavy  and  almost  incessant  firing  was  kept  up  day  and  night  alon  j  the  entire 
left  wing,  and  the  men  were  kept  In  those  rifle  pits  (to  say  in  tvater  to  the  knees 
k  a  ver>'  moderate  estimate)  day  after  day,  until  they  looked  like  fit  subjects 
for  the  hospital  or  lunatic  asylum,  and  those  troops  in  camp  who  were  not 
supposed  to  be  on  duty,  but  were  kept  in  reserve,  were  often  called  out  10  times 
in  one  n'ght.  The  firing  would  become  so  alarmingly  hot  that  it  was  supposed 
a  general  engagement  was  at  hand;  but  on  going  out  to  the  front,  perhaps,  it 
would  cease  for  a  moment,  then  they  would  be  ordered  back  to  camp  again. 
In  that  manner  I  have  known  the  entire  force  to  be  kept  in  motion  almost  all 
night,  aVid  ^leep  for  any  one  was  a  thing  out  of  the  qiiestion. 

It  soon  became  evident  that  there  was'some  movement  on  foot  which  was  not 
understood  by  the  great  mass  of  the  army,  and  I  have  no  doubt  it  was'agood 
thing  that  the  troops  did  not  even  imagine  that  a  retreat  was  already  being 
planned  by  their  commander.  Theroen  endured  all  these  hardships  most  un- 
complainingly—yes, cheerfully,  and  every  day  was  supposed  to  be  the  last  ere 
they  would  walk  the  streets  of  Richmond  triumphantly,  and  thus  reap  the 
fruits  of  their  Summer's  campaign. 

The.  constant  fire  kppt  up  along  the  entire  line  and  the  frequent  charges  . 
made  upon  rifle-pits  rapidly  increased  the  numbers  in  the  hospital,  and  kept 
the  Surgeons  and  nurses  busy  night  and  day,  and  then  they  could  not  attend 
to  all  who  required  assistance.  Just  at  this  particular  juncture  I  remember 
the  timely  aid  afforded  by  the  members  of  the  Christian  Commission  and  Tract 
Society.  They  brought  relief  not  only  in  one  sense,'  but  in  many.  Spiritual 
food  for  the  hungry,  dying  soldier— consolation  for  the  wornout  pntl  discour- 
aged— delicacies  for  the  sick  and  feeble — warm-gushing  heart  r :  .  r  M'r  for 
the  suffering,  and  actual  assistance  with  their  own  hands  in  c«Lseo  'f  ai-jn  :;•>- 
tions  and  the  removal  of  the  sick  from  one  place  to  another.  Rev.  Mr.  .\;  ! 
gives  a  very  modest  account  of  the  services  which  he  rendered,  w'^cn  he  k  i\  .s: 
"I  went  to  the  hospitals,  where  I  worker!  hour  after  hour  with  tlie  Surge:»n.s. 
Men  were  brought  in  with  all  sorts  of  wounds.'  Surgeons  were  scarce  rnd 
were.engaged  in  amputations,  so,  you  know,  I  could  attend  to  mimr  metiers.  . 
Where  tne  bull^  had  gone  through  bodv  or  limb,  j  could! drcs.s  it  p-?rhapvai 
well  as  any  one;'alsb,  all  sorts  of  flesh  wotin(fi.  \l  dannot  teli  vou  of  iL'  varlely  .* 


/■^:;$^^:  -t'  ^ 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIEB.        99? 

I  of  operstions  I  perfonned.  <  Th«  wounds,  had  been  stiffening:  since  the  dfty  be« 
fore,itot'  haVinf  bom  dressed^    lenjoyed  the  work,  as  in  ievery  ease  such  reticle 
was  givfe.'v  Then,' I  could  carry  Water  to  the  thirsty,  and  s(i«id;  words  df  oora-i  v 
fort  tothe  dying;  fw,  as  you  may'suppose,  there  were  many  in  this  state."      • 

Again  he  says:  "Just  now,  by  my  side,  lies  a  Philadelphia  zouav^  a  fine 
boy,to  whcmi  I  have  b^en  ministmng.  I  gave  him  some  hot  tea,  with'the 
charming  crackers  Mr.  Brougfaton  sent  He  is  now  sitting  up,  lookmgmore 
cheerful.  I  mention  this  in  detail,  that  you  may  have  a  specimen  of  the  mixk 
which  occupies  one  every  moment  through  the  day  and  night,  who  is  able  or 
willing  to  work  in  this' departineni  On'the  other  side  of  me,  as  I  write  here 
on  my  kne^  lies  a  colored  boy,  haggard  and  sick,  to  whom  I  have  given  medi* 
cine  and  similar  food.    His  dark  face  is  full  of  gratitude." 

Many  an  hour  I  have  worked  iBiiid  watched  in  hospitals  by  the  ade  of  Mr. 
Alvord,  and  marked  his  cheerful  Christian  spirit  and  warm  sympathies  for  the 
sufferers^  And  often,  on  a  march,  I  have  gone  to  him,  and  asked  if  he  would 
let  s6me  weary,  sick  soldier  ride  in  his  carriage,  who  had  falloi  out  by  the  way; 
and  my  ricquest  was  ntver  refused,  although  to  do  so  he  would  stnnetimeS  have 
to  walk  through  the  mud  himself,  his  horse  being  frequmtly  heavily  loaded. 
I  have  also  diskibuted  publications  for  him,  and  have  stood  by  the  cot  of  many 
a  dying  s6ldier  Where  he  has  ministered  <»hiso]ati<»i  to  the  departing  spirit  i 
He  is  one  of  those  Who  will  have  many  stars  in  his  crown' of  rejoicing 'when  t 
etetoity  uhfokl^  the  results  of  his  faithful  labors.  <■'  -i  , 


4- 


ChaAge  of  Base  Across  the  Peninsula— Evacuatioii  of  White  IfotKM^^The 
Movement— B4ttlie  of  MechanicsVille— Gaines's  Mill— A  Rqwlse— Mc- 
Clellan's  Dispatch— Hospitals  in  Danger — Con valtec«it  Officers— Lending 
My  Horse — A  Lottery — Inspe  ting  Farm  Stock — Catching  a  Colt — Danger 
<rf  Capture— Elding  for  life— Between  Two  Fires.    "  "  . 

The  employment  Of  Gen.  McDowell's  force  in  the  defense  of  Washington, 
and  its  failure  to  co-operate  by  land  With  McCIdlui,  necessitated  on  t|ie  part 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  an  immediate  change  of  base  across  the  Peninsula. 
Such  a  change  m  the  face  of  a  powerful  memy  is  considered  one  of  the' most 
hazardous  undertakings  in  wm*.  But  McClellan  had  no  doubt  of  the  ability 
of  his  4rmy  to  fight  its  way,  even  against  superior  numbers,  through  t6  the 
James  Itiver,^and  thus  secure  a  new  positiim  for  an  advahce  against  Rtehntond. 

The  mtire  morgy^of  tlie  ardy  was  now  directed  to  this  dbjefct.    A  di^ateh ' 
was  sent  by  GmJ  Van  Vliet,  Chief  ^QuartennAsteir  ot  th«  Atiny^f  tiie  P^t^uie, 
to  CoL  Iij^alls,  Quartemiadter'at  TFMte  House,  as  follows^    >         ^    ^    •> 


CHAPTER  XVI 

I 


tt'-lSS*'-: 


,   ,  ^  ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.      '  99 

, ,    *     _  •    ,    *'■■     •  '  '         ■ 

-■■"-'.'.■  .     ». 

.         ■■•-  .•    .  .    .  -  ...  .         -  •       •  ,  ■  •■  *    « 

of  operations  I  peifonned. '  The  wounds  had  been  stifTenmg  since  the  day  be- 
forcTnot  having  been  dressed.  I  enjoyed  the  work,  as  in  evcr>'  case  such  reli<{ 
was 'given.  Then,  I  could  carrr  water  to  the  thirsty,'  and  speak  words  of  com- 
fort  to  the  dying;  for,  as  you  may  suppose,  there  were  many  in  this  state." 

Again  he  says:  "Just  now,  by  m3'  side,  lies  a  Philadelphia  zouave,  a. fine 
boy,'to  whom  I  have  been  mihistaring.  I  gave  him  some  hot  tea,  with  the 
charming  crackers  Mr.'  Bfoughton  sent  He  is  now  sitting  up,  lookinJK  more 
cheerfuL .  I  mention  this  in  detail,  that  you  may  have  a  specimen  of  the  #ork 
which  occupies  one  every  moment  through  the  day  and'nigh^  who  is  able  or 
willing  to  work  in  this  depsirtment  On  the  other  side  of  me,  as  I  write  here 
on  my  knees,  lies  a  colored  boy,  haggard  and  isick,  to  whom  I  have  given  medi- 
cine and  similar  food.    His  dark  face  is  full  of  gratitude." 

Many  an  hour  I  have  worked  and  watched  in  hospitals  by  the  side  of  Mr. 
Alvord,'and  marked  his  cheerful  Christian  spirit  and  warm  sympathies  for  the 
sufferers.  And  often,  on  a  march,  I  have  gone  to  him,  and  asked  if  he  would 
let  some  weary,  sick  soldier  ride  in  his  carriage,  who  had  fallen  out  by  the  way; 
and  my  request  was  never  refused,  although  to  do  so  he  would  sometimes  have 
to  walk  through  the  mud  himself,  his  horse  being  frequoitly  heavily  loaded. 
I  have  also  distributed  publications  for  him,  and  have  stood  by  the  cot  of  many 
a  dying  soldier  where  he  has  ministered  consolation  to  the  departing  spirit 
He  is  one  of  those  who  will  have  many  stars  inhis  crown  of  rejoicing' whfeii 
etwnity  unfolds  the  results  of  his  faithful  labors. 


CHAPTER   XVL  ,        ,  .   ' 

Change  of  Base  Across  the  Peninsula— Evacuation  of  White  House— The 
Movement — Battle    of  Mechanicsville— Gauncs's    Mill— A   R^ulie— Mc- 

■  Clellan's  Dispatch-^Hospitals  in  Danger — Convalescent  Officers— Lending 
My  Horse— A  Lottery — Inspe:ting  Farm  Stock— Catching  a  Colt — Danger 

■  of  Capture — Riding  for  Life— Between  Two  Fires.  •      - 

Tfi^  emplojTnent  of  Gen.  McDowell's  force  in  the  defense  of  Washington, 
and  its  failure  to  co-operate  by  land  with  McCIellan,  necessitated  on  the  part 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  an  immediate  change  of  base  across  the  Peninsula. 
Such  a  change  m  the  face  of  a  powerful  enemy  is  con'sidered  one  of  the  most 
hazardous  undertakings  in  war.  But  McCIellan  had  ho  doubt  ol  the  ability 
of' his  army  to  fight  its  way,  even  against  superior  numbers,  through  ito  the 
James  River,  and  thus  secure  a  new  position  for  an  advance  against  Richmond. 

The  entire  energy  of  the  army,  was  now  directed  to  this  object  •  A  dispa^h 
was^t  by  Gen.-Van  Vliet  Chief  Qiivtermaster  of  the  Aimy  of  the  Potomac^ 
to  Col/Ingalls,  Quartermaster  at-TThite  House,  as  foUows:     v       -   ^  .     - 


IQP'       :;i  :v..f  ^.:  vNUBSiE  atstd  spy,  -:^  \i  1  r  '"  . 

"Run  the  evs  to  th&last  moment,  and  load  them  with  provision  and  am- 
muniUont  Load  eyery  wagon  you  have  with  $ub^t«ice^  and  $end  them  ito 
Si^vage's  Station,  fay  way  of  Bottom'?  Bridge.  :If  you  ar&obliged  to  ftbandoa 
Witite,  House,  byrn  evoty thing  that  you  cannot;  get  off*.  You  must  throw  aH 
our  sui^lies^up  the  James  River  as  soon  as  possible,,  and  acpompany  them 
yourself  with  all  your  force.  It  will  be  of  vast  importance  to  establish  our 
depots  on  James  River,  without  delay,. if  we  abandon  White  House.  I. will 
keep  you  advised  of  every  movement  so  long  as  the  wires  work;  after  that  you 
must  exercise  your  own  judgment."  .  li. 

All  these  commands  were  obeyed.  So  excellent  were  the  dispositions  of  the 
different  offices  in  command  of  the  troops,  depots  and  gunboats,  and  so 
thorough  was  the  warning  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  that  alihost  tv^- 
thing  was  saved,  and  but  a  small  amount  of  stores  was  destroyed  to  prevmt 
them  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Gen.  Stoneman's  commtmica- 
ii<»S  with  the  main  army  being  cut  off,  he  fdl  back  upon  White  House  Station, 
iieace  to  Yorktown,  when  White  House  was  evacuated. 

On  the  26th  instant  orders  were  sent  to  all  the  corps  commanders  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  Chickahominy  to  be  prepared  to  send  as;  many  troops  as  they, 
could  spare  on  the  f oUewing  day  to  the  left  bank  of  the  riytit.  Gen.  Franklin 
received  instructions  to  hold  Goi.  Slocum's  IXvision  ill  readiness.by  daybreak 
on  the  27th,  aqdi^  heavy -fining  should  fkt  that  time  beheiuti  in^e  direction-of 
Geo*  P(?t^>  tq  mqve  fit  (^ce.to  his  assistance  without  furthca:  orders!  .  \      ■ .  j 

A^  ngpn  .on.the,  2^h  the  approcych  of  the  enemy,,  who  had:qros8ed  abovb. 
Met^w  Bridgf,  was  discovq-ed  by  the  advancedpicketsiat  that  point,  and  at.^ 
12:30  in(th%  afternoon  thc^  were  attacked  and  d^ven  jn, ;  AH  the  pickets  weree 
nowxa^ed  in,  i^d J,heregim^t  and  battery  at  Mechanicsvillewa^e  withdrawn 'i 

About  3  o'cl(x;k  in  tl^e  af tenioon  the  enemy  formed  his  line  dbattle,  and  came^: 
down  upon  our  troops  like  a  torrent— attacking  the  entire  line.    McClelland; 
anticipating  a  fierce  onsets  was  prepared  for  such  an  event,  and  gave  him  a 
warm  reception.    Our  artillnry  occupied  positions  commanding  all  the  roadsi 
and  open  ground.    Timber  had  been  felled,,  rifie-pitsdi^g,  ajnd  the  infantry  were 
under  cover  of  the  thick  woods. 

An  remained  quiet  until  tiie  rebel  mass  came  rushing  on.  yelling  as  they 
came,  within  a  short  distance  of  our  hne,  when  every  battery  and  division 
opened  simultaneously  a  most  destructive  fire,  which  drove  the  enemy  back  with 
tremeodous  slaughter. 

Sevecal  other  attacks  were  made  on  our  lines  during  the  afternoon,  which: 
proved  disastrous  to  the  enemy.    At  9  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  firing 
ceased,  the  action  having  lasted  six  hours. 

During  the  night  the  heavy  siege  giuis  .and  wagons  were  removed  to  the 
rii^ibank  of  Uie  Chickahominy,  and  most  of  the  troops  withdraim,  unknown  - 
to  th<(eou^s^    ;AbQut  nopn  the  nexVday  another  general  engaganent  eaito'- 
on,  a9d.(^te$3eyen|hoi)rs'ihuKl  fighting  the-lefi flank  of  the  Fedcraltlin*  was  <^ 
tutnai^  iS9d  IhfH  wfre  driven  from  their, position.  <       .  (:    <     t     i         i    ;; 


■s    -Vv  ..-i  ■si::- 


ADVENTUEES  OF  A ITOMAN  AEf  AUNION  SOLDIER       10^' 

Gen.  McCleUaa  siys:  -  "Abaet  7  o'dock  in  ^he  evtjinihjr  tKey  threwfre^  W^  * 

against  G^.  Porter  with  stffl  greater  hiry,  aiid  finally  ffauTed  ilie  -woods  h^ 
by  ouri«ft.  tliii  reverie,  tiid^  by  thlb  (xmfutioct  that  fi3U<i#ed«&'tiiisubfieS^ 
furehaise4)yfiveicot&pa^iesoftlie'5tii  Cat.,  >and  followed  asitwubyi^^ 
determined  assaults  on  the  ronainder  of  our  lines,  now  outflanked,- CMised  a 
general  retreat  from  our  portion  to  the  hill  in  rear  overlMkintf  tlw  l»idi:e. 

"French's  and  Meafjrhn's  Brigades  now  appeared,  drivihit  bdbre  them'  the 
stragglers  who  were  thronging  toward  the  bridge.  These  l^rigides  advlanced 
boldly  to  the  front,  and  by  their  example,  as  wdl  as  by  the  steiUiihi^Bs  of  their- 
bearing,  reanimated  our  troopis  and  warned  the  enony  that  r«Bfoh:fliDent8 
had  arrived.  It  was  noW  dtii^.  The  dnemy,  already  r^iibed  ^vo^  tili^ 
with  terrible  slaughter,  ahd  h^ing  the  shouts  of  tiie  fresh  troopB,  failed  to' 
follow  up  their  advantage.     ' 

"This  gave  an  oppcH-tunity  to  rally  our  men  behind  the  brigadCB  ef  Gena. 
French  and  Meagher,  and  &ey  again  advanced  up  the  UiU,  reMly  tp  ri^ulse 
another  attack.  During  the  nig^ht  our  thinned  and  exhausted  retth&cbts  were 
all  withdrawn  in  safety,  and  by  the  foUowing  morning  all  Iwd  rnKebed  the 
other  side  of  the  stream."  » 

A  dispatch  from  Gen.  MeCldlan  to  Secretary  Steuaton,  on  the  28th,  tdls  • 
sad  story,  a  part  of  which  I  quote: 

"Had  1 20,t)00  or  even  10,  eOOf  rash  tfooite  to  use  tomorrow,  I  cotdd  tidc<»lii^- '" 
mond;  but  I  have  not  a  maen  in  reserve,  and  shall  be  gladio  ibvft  mf  itbttai,  - 
and  save  the-msterial  Mid  per&>nnerof  the  anny.  If  i^e  ftavelcist  1b9d£y,  4re 
have  yet  preserved  oitfhoikii',  tmd'no  one  need  bliish  fofr  tlite  AlmtoFtbe'f^to'"^ 
mac.  I  have  lost  this  battle  because'my  force  was'too  small.'  liJKg&i  I'tspeat  - 
that  I  anr  not  responsible  for  this,  Knd  I  say  it  with  ttte  ferhesthesiof  a  Gead«l  <^ 
who  feels  in  hi^  h^t  ^e  loss  of  every  brave  man  Who  has  beiBii  iiteedleit^y 
sacrificed  to^y.    ;     ■*       '  '     ''■""'    *      '    ^     ^^;^ 

"In  addition  td  whait'I  ha^e  aheady  said,  lonly  wish  to  isay  to  ihef^i^tibt- 
that  I  Uiink  he  is  wrong  in  regarding  me  as  ungenerous,  wh«a  I  said  that  my  ' 
force  was  too  weak.  I  merely  intimated  a  truth  which  to-day  has  been  too 
plainly  proved.  If,  at  this  instant  I  could  dispose  of  10,000  fresh  men,  I  could 
gain  the  victory  to-m<ATow.  I  know  that  a  few  thousMid  more  men  would 
have  changed  this  defeat  to  a  victory.  As  it  is,  the  Government  must  not  and 
cannot  hold  me  respomnble  for  the  result 

"I  feel  too  earnestly  to-night  I  have  seen  too  many  dead  and  wounded 
comrades  to  feel  otherwise  than  that  the  Government  bais  not  sustained  this 

my.    If  you  do  not  do  so  now,  the  game  is  lost    If  1  save  tihis  army  now, 

tell  you  plainly  that  I  owe  no  thanks  to  you,  or  to  any  other  persons  in  Wesh> 

gton.    You  have  done  your  best  to  sacrifice  this  army." 
^  WhilethehattleofGaii^s'sMill  was  in  progress,  I  Waadbpatchcd  to  sereral 
Hospitals  remote'frpm  tihe  direct  likte  of  oDmmuidcaiioil;  with  |»rdirs 4o  tike  Sur. 
geon;^  nurses,  snd'^udh  of  the  patients  as'could  Walk,  tb  take^::ar«i<^thim.' 

Ives  as  best  they  could,  for  no  anibulftnc<a  coukl  reAshtlMii^  llMtl  thi  a^y^  v 


•/ 


Itt 


NUBSE   AND   SPY. 


was  fletreatinc  to  the  James  River,  and  if  they  ^lu^intd  Vmger  they  would  fall 
,  into  the  hands  of  the  enem}'.  'I'':     j   " 

At  one  of  the  hospitals,  about  eight  miles  distanti  I  fi?un4  a  Captaintand  three 
'  I^ieuteoants  with  whom  I  was  acquainted.    The3lW<jre|usif' recovering  from 
f6ver  and  unable  to  endure  much  fatigue,  but  could  prbbablj^'' reach  the  James 
River  if  they  should  try.     I  was  beset  on  every  side  to  give  up  my  horse  to  one 
and  to  anothor  of  them  until  I  knew  not  what  to  say  or  do.     ' 
'  I  did  not  feel  unwilling  to  give  my  horse  to  assist  them  in  escaping  from  the 
rebels,  and  walk  all  the  way  myself,  but  I  knew  I'was  expected  to  return  im- 
mediately and  report  to  the  officer  in  command  of  the  ambulance  corps,  and 
undoubtedly  would  be  required  to  perform  oth«-  missions  during  the  day. 
But  all  such  excuses  as. these  were  thrown  into  thtf  shade  by  the  powerful  ora- 
tory of  the  convalescent  Captain,  who  poured  forth  a.  vehement  torrent  of  over- 
whelming argumaits  which  would'have  made  a  jess  expenettfied  messenger 
believe  that  the  horse  was  for  the  Captahi  individually,  had  been  i^eat  for  his 
esp(Bcial  benefit,  land  was  consequently  entirely  at  his  disposal.  > 
'■  Hikeli^uiance  had  iy>t  quite:thi$  effoctnpon  me,  notwithslanding  I  decided  to 
give  up  my  horse  and  to  take  the  consequences.     I'  did  not  feelstf  particularly 
d^awn'towacd'Ciaptai|i  A— -^  as  to  let  him  have'the  horse  entir^y  to  himself, 
,«nd  to  leave  the  other  three  poor  fellows  to  live  or  die.'    . 

Ifpon  Cfmjiig  to  ,the  conclii^n/  att^  tnature  deUberatkm,  io  |iltt-t  with  my 
jfaithfut  t^rs^'  tte  same  one  I  xodccon  Uve  BuE  R^h  battijefield,  I  infdrn^ed  these 
fdSc^s  of  «a^4niniti6n.  "But,"  seiid  i;  '^t  for  the  twnMt  of  a^y  one  bf.  you  in 
I  pkrtieular,'  but  foi-  the  mutuaTbenefii'ofall  four.  Thai  lih^ceieded  to  make 
[arran&ements^that  twaofthem'shouldride alternately,  aAdho|Lfai$t(T;,than  the 
[other' two  could  walk.  I  took  two  slips  of  papa-  and  told  them  feciist  lots  to  see 
!«KQi^^oidd:.ride;first  .  J      .;      .;   .      ^    ;       ..    ;  .    •;       ->  v. 

\  After  they  had  drawn  the  lots  to  setfl^  this  matter,  |tnid  the  poor  Capiatn  was 
doomed  to  foot  it  the  first  part  (rfthe  jouraiey,  and  Isav  4luit  he  looked  rather 
maliciously  at  me,  as  much  as  to  say  that  I  had  assisted  htte  in  deciding  thai)ie 
.HhouM  walk  iiistead  of  ride;  the  thought  struck  me  that  thwe  would  probably 
be  some-trouble  when  itcame  hi^  turn  to  ride. '  Sp  1  delivered  the  folbwing 
Wi^f  Iteture,' which  was  especially  intended  for  hi»  ear! 
•  "Gentlemen,  you  "are  aware  that  by' giving  you  my  horse  lam  running  the 

risk  of  incurring  Maj.  N 's  displeasure,  and  am  exposii^inysdf  to  the  very 

dtuiger  froin  which  I  am  assisting  you  to  escape.  Now,  in  return,  I  make  one 
request  of  you:  that' is  that  you -all  do  as  you  have  agreed  to;  don't  play  false 
one  with'  the  oihim.  Those  who  ride  are  not  to  go  faster  than  the  others  can 
vidk,  and  you  are  to  ride  equal  distances,  as  near  as  you' may  be  able  to  judge, 
unless  otherwise  arranged  Muong  yourselves. ' 

"The  horse  you  are  to  have  taken  care  of  when  you  arrive  at  yourdestination. 
I  truist  these  matters  to  your  honor,  but  if  honcM- should  forget  to  assert  its  rights 
tiii  case  will  be  reported  at  Headquarters." 
f .  l%cre  were  several  otiicrs  in  the  same  hospital,  but  sorac  irere  uncoMciow 


S^>^Vi 


■•'..-^i:'-;*:;. 


I 


tH  NUBSB  AND  &PY. 

ef  tike  sUte'of  ^affjtfa^^armind  them;  others  w«te  eonsfcio^s,  bui-iinable  to  help 
themaekes  in  the  least.  One  of  the  noble-hearted  nurses  refused  to  leave  those 
helpj€^,.q)efn,  .whqm  he  had  taken  care.of  so  longt  aii(d  was  takfn  pris9ner.  | 
marked  that  noble  bay's  _poMnte|iance,!dress  andj^eneri^  appeeM'an^e,  an<^  bjc 
makine^inguU/  f^terftLtds,  I  fouhd  oi^t  th^t  hkpame  wa$  J,  ^bbins,  ot the 
2d  Mich.,  and  whea,.  after  he  had  underg^one  the  hardships  of  imprisonment 
and  had  been  exchanj^ed,  I  had  the  honor  of  meeting  and  congratula^ng  him, . 
I  felt  that  it  was  a  greater  honor  than  to  converse  with  many  of  our  Major- , 
Generals.- 

As  I  turned  to  retrace  my  steps  I  began  to  think  over  the  lottery  business; 
and  wondered,  if  I  had  not  introduced  a  species  of  gambling  into  my  charitable 
deed.  I  did  not  feel  clear  on  this  point  until  I  thought  of  reading  in  the  Bible 
something  about  casting  lots.  .  Yes,  it  must  be  right,  for  there  were  instances 
of  it  in  the  Bible.  I  tried  to  remember  an  instance  to  find  out  in  what  connec- 
tion I  had  read  it,  but  my  mind  was  quite  confused,  and  it  required  some  time 
to  recall  one  of  those  passages. 

After,  a  while,  however,  I  thought  of  the  one  where  the  Romtui  soldiers  cast 
lots  for  the  vestments  of  the  Saviour,  but  this  text  did  not  bring  much  comfort 
to  my  mind;  I  was  somehow  reminded  of  the  woman  who  had  named  her  child 
Beelzebub  because  it  was  a  Scripture  name,  and  I  concluded  to  leave  the  further 
discussion  of  the  subject  until  a  more  convenient  season. 

J  r«nemb^Fe4now  hfivinic  noticed,  a  farm  house  whm  I^came  that  wa>y  in.the 
niornpsr,  u^uod  li^hioh  were  a  number  qf  horses,  mules,  or  something  of  that 
sort,  .andt  I  ^j^oqghtfit  i^oujd  be  wellto  inveptigftte  the  matter.  Moving  along 
in  that  direction  as  fast  as  possible,  I  soon  c^OM  to  the  house,  and  saw  the  ani-. 
mal& there, ,ie«d>iMF  <^  Wore.    .      ^     »;     :  .;;s."      v  tv   \:- 

jWhateyer^J  intouled  to  do  rau^t  be  done  quickly,  for  tihe  near  ^proach  of 

/    the  q^inwiAiling  warn«d  b^  that  the  ariRy  waalast  retreating  and  I  would  sQon 

b^c^v^t  of|  frqm  tjbe  ^ames  Biy.er  road.    I  went  at  onceto  ^camine  the,  stpck,4)n 

the  farm.  for.  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  whether  there  was  anything  worth 

There  were  four  ^lendid  mules  and  a  coU,  but  whether  the  colt  was  a  two- 
year-old  or  10 1  could  not  tell,  for  it  was  very  small  and  very  handsome,  looking 
much  like  m.  Indian  pony,  and  it  might  be  a  dozen  years  old.  But  the  all- 
absorbins  que^ons  in  my  mind  were,  how  was  I  going  to  secure  this  colt,  and 
if  I  should  catch  hlnn  what  I  w^  going  to  do  with  him,  having  neither  saddle 
nor  bridte. 

I  went  to  the  barn,  looked  around  and  found  an  old  halter  that,  for  want  of 
sqgpiething  better,  would  be  of  service.  Now  was  the  time  to  catch  the  colt; 
but  this  was  easier  said  than  done,  for  upon  going  towards  it  I  found  that  it 
wi^.about  as  wild  as  a  young  bufifalo.  Not  discouraged,  however,  I  started  it, 
togf^er  with  the  mules,  in  the  direction  of  the  barn,  and  opened  a,  door  leading .. 
iaifh  aiong  s^  ,eonne:^^  witlji  the  bsf rn.;  This  plajd  succeeded  aj^miraUy,  (or  i 
tb^  aU  rfux  pta^he^hed  without  jho^ea^^t  tcpuljle.  ^  B^t  the,g|:ea)est^di%:u^ty  ,^ 


4. 

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was  lo  i^t  ttie  fialW  <m  tfie'colt  and/et  on  his'ba^^k;  howtBT^^  i^; 

ceed^,  ancP,  mfeuntrng  it,*  Started  tdwairdJteii&  River.  *  ^  '*  "  ""[^  ■' 
^  Ttte  iSiciiy  had  by  thi^  ii&e ^ceeeded  W'tovinff  A8  Pi^el^K'^iwifiiii^^^^ 
first  position,  and  were  now  between  them  and  me.  Tummg  off  from  the  mitin 
road.  I  sthick  out  into  the  woods  and  rode  as  fast  as  possible.  The  woods  were 
open  and  clear,  so  that  I  could  see  a  long  way  ahead.  On  I  went  until!  came 
near  a  little  thicket  so  dense  that  I  could  not  see  anything^  beyond  its  border. 

Not  daring  to  go  into  any  place  which  looked  suspicious,  I  turned  to  go  round 
it,  when  my  ear  caught  the  click,  click  of  a  dozen  rifles,  and  a  shower  of  Mihie 
balls  came  round  me  thick  as  hailstones,  but  not  one  of  them  pierced  even  my 
clothing.  My  colt  took  fright  at  this  unexi}ected  salute,  and  plunged  into  the 
woods  in  another  direction  with  the  speed  of  lightning.' 

I  soon  came  to  an  open  field  and  saw  in  the  distance  a  large  number  of  sol- 
diers. One  glance  convinced  me  that  they  were  Fedei^als,  for  they  wore  the 
United  States  uniform..  Bounding  over  the  field  in  an  instant  I  had  come 
within  a  hundred  yar^  of  them  before  I  noticed  that  they  wae  prisoner^ 
guarded  by  a  band  of  rebels.  •    u  r^      •     '?  r  v^. 

The  first  thing  that  caused  me  to  discover  this  fact  was  one  of  the  priisoiiers 
waving  his  hand  for  me  to  go  in  another  direction,  upon  seeing  which  one  of  the 
rebel  guatds  ^ahg  forward  and  struck  ihe  prisoner  withihebuttbf  his  tniisket. 

This  litUe  dembnstrati(m  revtoled  t6  m^  at  once  iny  iK>^<>^i  i&d4uriiin|; 
I  fled  in  the  direction  indicated  4)y  the  pri^ner,  #htin  anotha'4olfey  J^Ubweit 
me,  which"^oved  as  4iarmless  fis  the  first.     *      •  -       •    •  >'      c    t 

I  began  now  to  think  that  I  was  about  as  safe  fai^e  the  l^ebcS  lmes%s  sny"- 
wh^e,  for  their  bullets  seemed  quite  harmless  sor far  last  was  j^ersonMly  con- 
cerned. Iteniemberbd  that  whieh  I  was'aclnldilheafdmyni^h^r6hce^ll& 
Scotch  PresbyteriSn  clergyman 'she  was  afraid  I  would  meet  with  some  viMenIt 
death,  for  t  was  always  iii  some  unheai^-of  mischief,  such  a^  riding  the  wilfdelitt 
colt  on  the  farm,  firing  of!  my  father's  shotgun,  and  climbing  to  the  highest 
point  of  the  Imilding.    To  which  the  good  old  predestinarian^replied: 

"Ah,  weel,  my  guid  woman,  dinna  fret;  it  is  an  auld  saying,  an'  1  bdieve  a 
true  one,  'A  wean  that's  bom  to  he  hung  'ill  ne'er  be  droon'd.'" 

Then  turning  to  me  and  laying  his  hand  on  my  head,  he  said:  "But,  me  wee 
lassie,  ye  mauna  tempt  Providence  wi'  your  madcap  antics,  or  ye  may  no  live 
oot  half  your  days." 

1  did  not  know  after  all  but  what  the  fates  were  reserving  me  for  a  more  ex- 
alted death  on  the  scaffold  at  Richmond — for  the  old  minister's  words' woiiki 
occasionally  ring  in  my  ears:  "If  the  wean  is  born  to  be  hung  it  will  ne'er  be 
droon'd"— and,  1  added,  dr  be  shot  either.  I  was  now  outside  of  the  rebel  lines,' 
but  I  was  just  betwe^i  two  fires,  and  tronendous  hot  ones  at  that,  for  the  whole 
lines  wJere-a  jterfect  blaiie  both  of  muskefry  'and  artilltlry.'  ISfothlnj^bjit  (rfe 
power  in  the  Almighty  could  htive  ishidded  nie  fr6m'suc%  a'st6rmt)f  §hof  an^ 
slidl,  and  brought  me  through  unscathed.  It  se^ns  to  me  now  that  it  was 
almost  as  much  of  a  miracle  as  that  of  the  three  Hebrew  children  coming  forth 
irofta  the  fiery  furnace  without  even  the  smellof  fire  upon  them. 


10*    .  ...  ,NT7RSE  AND  SJ*T. 

4K.      vrr.-w;^"  >-U  ?,j  >E'ol  -is  '/i  •■  -Ji'  ■■•":  ':lUi:>ih  ■■v  ■■>t  \  n\  \m,  ,■;  ■  fi.>:.a:;.  m^vi 

-^A^; ;./■<■:_  ^"^  ;■;::'-  •■ghapter  xvn.  -^ ^'^ •'■  -  ■'  ■'''"'  ^-  -  '•  s  ^ 

Withdrawal  to  Malvem  Hill— The  Soldier's  Last  Watch— Trowbridge's  Gr<V«, 
Scenes  in  a  HospitalT-Ct^ture  of  the  Wpunded — A  Noble  Surgeon— rLlije  of 
Battle — Hard  Fighting— The  Enemy  R^ulsed— Hunting ,  for  Food— In 
aiPamhouse-^Perilous.  Position — Securing  the  3ppils-::;Reliel  of  the  Fam- 
ishing— Sublime  Scene— On  the  March — Gen.  Keyes— Gunboats — Ar-- 
riv^.at  Harrison's  Landing — Sad  Condition  of  Troops-rrOur  I^06ses->-Mo- 
Gellan's  Address  to  the  Army.  :  v  , 

When  I  reached  the  main  army  the  troqps  had  gained  a  new.  position,  and 
were  (jlrlving  the  enemy  back.  The  troops , were  well  nigh  exhausted,  yet 
fighting  bravely  and  detcmjinedly.  Night  came  and  put  an.  end  to  that  d&y's 
battle,  but  instead  of  spending  the  night  in  taking  care  of  our  poor  wounded 
men,  we  were  obliged  to  retreat,  under  cover  of  darkness,  to  Malvem  Hill,  and 
leave  piK  wounded  in  the  hand^  of  the  enemy.    ,      .      ;  .^    .  . ,  ,,  ,^, 

Ojfithf ip^ny.^l^dipdfpm exbai}§tio«.  fjswpliitswpunds.,  dijyii:»g;ouri^ 
fro^ijttie sj^in^ty  of  Jiich^ooid,  \ Vvt^vipl n(¥n^|nQj^  wori^ pf jri^for^ ti|a4 tbtft 
of  a  young  m^  o^ioy.&^q^intibnpe.  wjio  f^edpnl^he  fie]^.^e  ii|gU  i^t^.tj^  .,■ 
batt^:  ,JI^E\WP  npt  W^^  l^t^ied-at  his  fios^j^Qm  sikmM^^^f^if^^ 
the^tiyrse^pf  i^e^fycfping,  t4ie^  se«n  ^d3Pf^ed.hipi  son^j^.^rfndy  fipnti.^jr  .  v 
fla4^,wJ»^ikI;{iiadjfor^ewfflijmd^j  ^He,w^i^^scaf^<;ly  abl^lpstend 
feetidr»t5lye^i||i5e4ito^iP  ^pblWi«iyr  WiS8'^*i^«P*M  tbaai,.  ^ 

he  ^ir'mi  M^^?^  ^^  i»«^"X,Wf?r4fJ»awy  ialo3f^a^g,liqjijor,^i44«r  ajiiy, 

CirOUPUtai^«J«      ...i,.;,  -:iV...    ^,    ;-<,:■;/«•  '-..i.-    ;;.■■:••   .  -;:■■■    V--   •    (,N.- :.:•;..::!>;    hsr{   '  ,;  :i-;':   ■-,;- 

A  no^ce  of  his-death  by  an  eye-witness,  given  under  the  heatfing.^The  Sol- 
dier's Last  Watch,"  says:  "A  lonely  grave,  a  little  apfu-t  from  others,  stands 
on  the  ground  of  one  of  the  battles  fought  in  the  retreat  from.  Richmond,  in  the    . 
Summer  of  186?,  which  bears  on.  its  woojden  headboard  ^simply  the  nune,, 
'Trowbridge.'  .The  turf  c»vers  the  Remains  of  a  youthful  soldier  who  wa^  npt 
only  iHraye  and  patient,  but  exemplary  as  a  Christian.    Those  battles  renewed .   . 
from  day  to  day,  and  attended  by  so  many  hardships,  destroyed  many  lives  in 
addition, to  those  lost,  in  conflict  with  the, enemyy^  hundreds  and  thousands 
of  our  gallant  men,  worn  out  by  marches,  figb.ting,  hungier  c^d  loss  pf,8leq>,  ,. 
became  discouraged,  and  either  recklessly.,  threw  th^m^elves  into  tli^  jaws  of 
deathi.prjell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  because  they  were  unable  to  keeip  i^p 
with  their  more  robust  though  not  braver  companions.    Tbe  .circumstances  of . 
the  death  of  one  of  these  silent  martyrs  to  their  country  were  taken  down  fr^„.r  > 
the  ^|)6pf  ^soddjeffwljp  T«as>witb  hjjp  i*  hje  Ia§t  Ijipufs.  j,^t'«s,aB  \^  ipay  b^' 
known,  save^^a  |ew^bleff|jwg.l|ea£iisr.of.o»ej|«h<3if.alf»s!^  so^in^y  otl^iirafc  >  :j 
sleeps  ill  that  saddtet  of  all  places,  a  battlefield." 

71m  worn-out  soldier,  the  day  before  his  death,  said  to  his  Lieutenant^  "I  am 


V'.;'*..'.  i  ;-■■.;..•.  ;i.       ,  V!j  ■■     /  !     .  . /'•- 'i.-i^ii  j;«^A../vi^: 


■:-:-^,:: 


-7*. 


ADVENTURES  Ot:  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER     .  IW 

so  weak  and  helpkss,  I  do  not  know  what  I  caii  do  furtiiw."  ■  He  wa^  told  to 
lie  down  and  get  what  rest  he  coUld  on  ike  battlsfifsld.  ,  "Al^ut  10  o'^^k  at 
night,"  said  his  jix^pajnion,  "as  we  were  tailkiiig  to^jefthtfr,  4h:Ql^a'  of  ibe  com- 
pany came  up,  and  told  us  we  shoiild  retreat  ftt  2  o'clock  in  thtf  moptinf.  .He 
;)rdered  us  to  stand  guard  till  then,  two  hours  each^  in  turft. '  We  took  SilrAWs, 
3,nd  drew  lots  to  decide^who  should  stand  first.  .The  lot  fdl  qn  Trowbriditc. 
I  threw  myself  on  the  ground,  under  a  tree,  with  my  bIiMik<)t. drawn  oter  (jae, 
and  was  soon  fa^t  asleep.  At  12 1  was  aroused,'  but  ^d,  'You  puSt^br  n^ii»- 
taken;  it  cannot  be  five  minutes  since  I  lay  down.'  Wc  ha^i)ee!ri6r4^piM% 
to  speak  aloud,  <x  to  hi&ve  a  light;  and  he  replied  in  a  whisper,  '^e«l  the  hands 
of  my  watch;  it  is  12.'  .  •  s  ,  . 

"I  took  his  i^ace,  and  he  was  so(m  asleep,  or  seemed  to, be. :  At  1:^  o'ckx^ 
the  order  came  to  move.  I  went  to  awake  Trowbridge,  but  had  no  an8|r(er, 
except  that  he  groaned  heavily  once,,^d  iagain.  - 1  triM  jk>  aoeihe  hiQi,:ahd 
awake. him  g^itly,  but  lie  turned  aside  his  head,  Jgroaned  pnee  more,  and.l^fts 
gone.  I  struck  a  match  and  looked  upon  his'  features;  they  wcire  ^,  ijtfid 
ghastly  in  death.  ^  I  placed  his  huid  on  my.  chefek,  and  asked.*  him  i^^e.iriis 
still  conscious  to  press  it.  There  was  no  responte;'life  Was  evidently 
extinct  ■  -  'A 

"I  made  an  attempt  tolind  the  Surgeon  or  Chaplain,  but  they  had  both  gone 
forward  with  the  arrmy-  So  I  searched  his  podkets,  and  ta)tiiig  from  tllete  S6 
for  his  mother,  and  is  letter'  directed  to  himsdlf,  I  replaced  the  M|Velope,^ihM 
his  nanijB,  at  least,  pijg;bt  We  knpim  to  tbo:^  who  should  find  th^  body.  '      '      .  '<■ 

Several  days  after  ihis  I  w&^ftne  of  th?  nutnber  d^tail^H?  io  bacK  to  ihl^  '^ 
spot  and  Buiry*  the  ^e^.  On  searching  ^ne^r  the  piace  where  TfowWidgeHipd,  ^ 
I  foithd  a  gifkve  with  a  wooden  tablet  bealjhf;  Jiji$  n^me.  Not  f ar  dis^ni  wiili  ^' 
a  hcmse,  at  which  I  ciUled,  ^oid  asked  the  ir^ates  if  they  lim^  any^ni:<>f  that  *^ 
grave. '♦  The WPm«m  of  the  family  then  broujght  forwardem  (myiblo^ (the  very  -■ 
one  that  I  had  replaced,)  and  said  they  had  buried  a  soldier  there,  froin  #ho(Mi  ' 
pocket  it  was  JAken.  It  was  a  relief  to  know  what  had  become  of  the  body. 
Of  course,  I  wrote  to  his  mother,  sending  the  money,  and  gi^ng  ad  account  of 
b^r  son':;  l^t  moments  and  his  burial." 

This  is  only  ft  sojitcu-y  instance  of  Uie  bravery  and  faijhfukjRss  of , the  men 
who  fought  thKJse  terrible  battles,  day  after  day,  many  of  Fl¥>m  ^«i  wit^  their 
muskets  in  their  hands,  and,  without  receiving  a  wound,  died  from  hunger, 
thirst  and  fatigue. 

Th^e  was  a  farmhouse  near  the  battlefield,  to  which  the  wounded  were  carried, 
and  the  Surg^ns  of  the  Union  army  made  it  thrir  headqiiarters  during  the 
battle.  I  will  not  attempt  to  describe  the  scenes  which  I  witnessed  in  that 
building,  for  it  beggars  all  dei^ription.  The  poor  fellows  seemed  to  know  that 
they  could  not  be  removed,  wid  would  inevitably  fall  into  the  hands  of  the' 
enemy/     ■■    ■'■'    •■  •:■.'.:  :,  -     .j    .^v 

-  One  mul  adked  a  Surgeon,  Who  had  julst  informed  an  6perati<ain  on  dne^f  --i' 
his  Mria,  ^Doctor,  is.  tb«re  no  aHerhatiTe^miist  I  be'takm-prisontirr*     '     ^     - 


--■;■  "^ 


•c: :    ;^.:^^Mf^  ^^'ft  ^i"  .WBBSE ^ JkOTS*'  STK:-  e':^'"'  ^'^-  -I  ■■  ■ 

rr-TJMdocjtor.wfts  only  a /boy  in  appeftmnce,  a.  Kitie  Seotcbnten,  and  ael  B^Ie- 
UtOMled  a  ifian  as  ever  amputated  a  limb,  >  HdTe^lied,  in  broad  Siotch,  ^o, 
my  man,  there  is  no  alternative;  but  keep  up  a  good  heart,  I  am  not  goin^  to 
leave  yon;  I:sh»ll  beai»sonea?ior  your^akes,  and'mU  take  o^re^f  you  ^  long 
as  I  can."  He  did  ad,  and  was  really  taken  prisoner,  but  was  not  permittei  to 
do  much  for  those  for  whom  he  had  made  such  a  noble  sacrifice.  He  was  Dr. 
Clelana,  of  Detroit,  Mich. 

When  the  order  was  given  to  retreat  that  night,  I  started  with  my  colt,  having 
a  good  saddle  and  bridle  on  him  now,  which  I  had  taken  off  a  dead  horse  on 
the  battlefield,  and  reached  Malvern  Hill  about  2  o'ckick  in  the  morning.  After 
hitphing  my  horse,  and  unstrapping  a  small  bag  of  oats  and  my  blanket  from 
^e  saddle,  I  fed  him,  and  proceeded  to  take  a  glance  around,  to  see  how  things 
looked.  ;     , 

The  artillery  was  already  in  position,  and  the  weary  troops  were  in  line  of 
battle,  but  flat  on  the  ground  and  fast  asleq),  all  except  the  guards,  who  were 
pacing  backward  and  forward  in  front  of  the  line,  ready  to  arouse  the  sleepers 
at  any  mommi  Feeling  safe  to  consign  myself  to  the  arms  of  Morpheus  ^ter 
this  reconnoissance,  I  returned,  wrapped  myself  in  my  blanket,  and  slept  until 
the  thundering  of  cannon  awoke  me  in  the  morning. 

Malvern  Hill  is  an  elevated  plateau,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  by  three-fourths 
of  a  ^^in  aroa,  iiearly  cleared  of  timber,  and  with  sev^al  convMiging  roads 
)<|auuaig>.  over  it.  In  front  there  are  numerous  ravines.  The  f^round  slopes 
CradTjally  toward  the  northeast  to  the  wooded  plain  beyond,  giving  clear  ranges 
foTH^rtilkry.  ia  dilfcs'ent  directionsi 

,;-  The  batteries  were  advantageously  posted  on  those  hills,  while  the  reserve 
trposs  were  sheltered  as  much  as  possiUe  by  the  ravines.  The  artillery  ^f  the 
Ti^Btifyt  wast>laced.in  position  ao  as  to  bring  the  concentrated  fire  of  €0  gtms  to 
bearup^^  thememy's  front  and  left,  approaching  from  Richmond  or  White 
Oak  Swamp. 

•  The  brave  Col.  Tyler,  1st  Conn.,  with  great  exertion  succeeded  in  getting  10 
of  his  siege  guns  in  position  on  the  highest  point  of  the  hill;  the  moi  having  to 
haul  many  of  them  up  by  hand.  C(»nmodore  Rodgers,  commanding  the 
flotilla  on  James  River,  placed  his  gunboats  in  position  to  proted  the  left  flank 
and  to  command  the  approaches  from  Richmond. 

^  The  battle  commenced  about  9  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  raged  all  day 
with  terrible  fury.  At  3  in  the  afternoon  the  enemy  attadted  our  right  and 
coittt*  with  tremendous  force  both  of  artillery  and  infantry.  The  artillery 
was  replied  to  with  good  effect,  but  our  infantry  lay  upon  the  ground  aiid  with- 
held their  fire  until  the  advancing  column  was  within  short  musket  range, 
whoi  they  sprang  to  their  feet  and  poured  in  a  deadly  volley  which  «itirely 
broke  the  attacking  force,  and  drove  the  rebels  back  some  800  yards  in  great 
eonf^sioiu  .>•:     -.     :      t-    ;v    ,.     •;    >  r     --;     i.-    ■  :  t    -■     ■-      '-'-■'■■ 

.^The  battle  raged^.  most  inriously  hour  after  hour,  the^nony  advancing  in; 
p«ltsBiye«oli)mni  olteqi>.  wilhoat  cnrder,  but  with  perfect  recklessnesir,  and  the- 


ADVENTURES  Qf  A  W>UAM  AS  A  Vm&S  SKJXEB.      1^9 

coRceaitrated  firt  of->ouf  su&boftts,  battoies  and  iafantry  momiagibwix  the 
advaaeing'host  ifx  a  most  f«»rful  maimer,  until  the  dais  by  mliMqsupiMittw 

.field.-.;.     .-.        r  ■    :        <JF.    '''--■-O-    ::    ^, ?'•'■■■    .  f„        ; '    '  i/    IV :  ^tV      C    -  ^^  -■ .:.-:.        •". 

At  4  o'doek  Uie  fijeinit  ceased  iiong  the  rebelTime^  and  H  wai  i^^pMMd'  HO)' 
battle  was  ov^ ;  but  it  proved  only  a  calm  before  a  more  tienible  storm. 

At  6  o'clock  the  oiemy  suddenly  oi>ened  upon  this  Idt  of  our  line  With  the 
whole  strength  of  his  artillery,  and  fiercely  pushed  forward  his  column  pf  attftck 
to  carry  the  hill.  His  infantry  in  immense  force  formed  under  covierof  the 
woods,  and  starting  on  a  rim  across  the  open  space,  changing  almost  up  td  the 
muzzles  of  the  guns  of  our  advance  batteries,  came  rui^iing  on  with  3^^  cold 
imprecations,  but  in  a  moment  the  whole  hill  was  one  blaze  of  light,  those  t^ti- 
ble  siege  guns  had  belched  forth  a  murderous  fire,  tuid  a  simultaneous  Volley 
from  the  gunboats,  infantry  and  numerous  batteries,  sent  the  enony  reeling 
back  to  shelter,  leaving  the  ground  covered  with  their  dead  and  %dMndied. 

Then  our  men  dashed  for  xi  rd  with-the  bayonet,  with  wild  shouts  and  che^ 
capturing  prisoners  and  colors,  and  driving  the  routed  rebels  in  confusio&i'fAnn 
the  field.  -  •' 

At  a  little  past  4  in  the  afternoon,  when  there  was  a  lull  in  the  terrible'storin 
of  grape  and  canister,  I  ventured  to  go  to  a  house  which  stood  ftbdut  haff  sAiy 
be|weai  our  line  of  battle  and  that  of  the  enemy.  Ifound  a  large  qtiiebitity  of 
flo^r,  bacon,  smoked  h«n,  etc.  The<jap^aranfie  of  ev^^yithii^^in  ^jftHouis 
indicated. that  this  family  had  left  suddmly,  Without' dttturi)^  a^f^tiiit. 
The  dishes  wereon  tiie  table,  a^  if  the  family  had  liSeftfro^dimf^r^^^^^beAi 
and  bedding  too  remained  undisturbed;  the  lat6  inhaMti&48  ^feetked^'to-iia'M 
thought  of  nothing  but  ^saving  their  lives  and  eSiisiHpfeg^roin'^e'Yaliikees. 

I  was  not  Icmg  in  seaixhiiq;  cmpboard,  pantry  and  StoUxoom,  had  i^pprdfiniX* 
ing  teet,  bakingsoda,  cream-of-tartar,  etc.  ^But  in  order  ^o'fttaishtlte'hcnide 
unobserved  by  the  rebds  I;had  be«i  obliged  ~tt>«rawl  tlier«<>n^mt  bauds  Atd 
feet,  and  now  the  question  arose  how  I  was  to  carry  anything  badk  iHth  nHr 
'Taking  a  bedquUtl  spread  it  on  the  floor  and  commenced  sdecthig  the  most 
important  articles,  such  as  a  small  bag  of  flour,  ham,  an  iron  spider;  a  \iigt 
coffeepot,  and  some  other  things;  after  tying  these  up  in  the  quilt  I  a,ttaehed  ii 
long  bed-cord  to  the  bundle,  intending  to  drag  it  along  the  ground. 

Just  as  I  was  com[^ting  my  arrangemoits,  a  shdl  came  crashing -throuith 
the  side  of  the  house,  and  p:tssing  tiirough  the  window  on  the  opposite  side,  it 
made  the  house  tr^nUe  as  if  shfdien  by  an  esurthquake.  Then  anothef  and 
another  came  in  quick  succes^on  until  I  was  obliged  to  scA  refuge  in  the  cdlar. 
I^he  rebds  evidently  thought  that  the  house  contained  a  band  of  our  sharp- 
shooters, and  were  determined  to  dislodge  than  if  possible,  for  thiey  thought 
three  lueces  to  bear  upon  it  for  about  20  minutes,  until  they  succeeded  in  settii^t 
iton-fire.  ,    \         >,....-  ■  y"  -j    •■••■■  -'■• 

Before  the  echo  of  the  last  shot  had  died  away,  I  heard  the  crackliftg  cf(  ^» 
fire«bj»ve>my  heat^and  thougiht  if  piudeht  to  malde  aa  aikteaipi>  td»  eseapeL 
I  did  n^t  fiad  it  veky  difficuli'to  db  sc^  ac  the  &n  WBsi>rinr1pkl]ycconfiaed"i»^ 
upott  part  of  the  hous«i 


■:  -it^s^kS.  _    \_  _ 


■  «*.»>■•■ 

:    -,  ■  ^^  .   ::-e:^-'   ■     .V.   -.v'.y?:' 

'A '. 

.■■•■T/   r 


"  Bo  taking  ihy  precious  burden  of  provisions,  wliieh  still  lay  uhharmed  oh  ttie 
floor,  I  began  my  retreat  in  the  same  mariner  m  Which  I  hadadvaricM,  drawiiig 
niy  park  after  me  by  means  of  the  cprd.  .f  could  not  make  much  progress, 

'  howelCT,  for  1  found  it  very  difficult  to  drag  thkt  imincnse?  weight  over  ttic  rou^h 
ground.     But  I  at  length  succeeded  in  reaching  tlie  linos,  arid  wais  luul*d  fey 

■  hearty  cheers  from  those  who  were  anxiously  awaiting  iiie  result  of  my  hazar^l- , 
QMS  mission.    Several  of  the  boj-s  caught  up  the  spoil  and  carried  it  to  the  redr, 
where  we  built  a  lire  and  commenced  cooking  immediately.    An  hour  later 
we  had  a  nice  lot  of  hot  bread,  fried  ham  and  tea  ready  for  disposfel. 

Oh,  1  slittll  never  forget  the  thrill  ef  plsasute  which  1  e.xperienced  when  I 
carried  this  food  and  set  it  before  those  famishing  men,  and  saw  them  eat  it  with 
a  sort  of  awe  and  reverence  as  if  it  had  fallwj  from  heaven.'  One  of  the  men 
looked  up,  with  moistened  eyes,  and  said: 

"Bob,  do  you  kndw  that  this  food  has  been  sent  to  us  by  our  heavenly  Father, 
j  ist  as  much  as  the  manna  was  sent  to  the  Children  of  Israel?  That  boy  risketl 
his  life  in  procuring  it' for  us,  but  he  never  would  have  returned  from  that  burn- 
ing builJing  if  God  had  not  shielded  him  from  the  bursting  shell.  I  believe  it 
has  just  come  in  time  ii  .save  me  from  sharing  the  fate  of  poor  Tror.'bridge." 

The  battle  of  Malviern  Hill  presented  by  far  tlie  most  sublime  spectacle  i  ever 
witnessed.  AH  the  battles  I  had  seen  before,  and  those  which  I  have  seen  since, 
were  nothing  t  >  be  compared  to  it.  The  elevated  position  which  the  army 
occupied,  the  concentration  of  such  an  immense  force  in  so  small  conipasi', 
such  a  quantity  o(  artillery  on  those  hills  all  in  operation  at  the  same  lime,  the 
'  riflection  of  the  flashes  of  fire  from  humlreds  of  guns  upon  the  dense  cloud  of 
smdke  ^hidl"  hung  suspended  in-  the  heavens,  turning  it  into  a  ^illiar  of  fhre 
which  reminded  one  of  the  ca:iip  of  thie  Israelites,  and  of  God's  dealings  with 
His  p^ple  of  ol  1,  the  vivid  flashes  of  hjjlilning,  tl»e  terrific  peals  of  thunder, 
mingifid'with'th6  continuous  blaze  of  mlitkctry,  sudden  explosions  of  shell,  tfhd 
the  deafennihg  roar  of  cannon,  combined  to  make  a  scehe  which  was  awfully 

■  gttaid:     .■  :■'■  ^   ,      -    ' 

■  Mjr^soul  was  filled  with  the  sublimity  and  grandeur  of;  the  scene,;  notwith- 
stuidpn^  the  ghastly  wounds  and  piteous  groans  of' the  mangled,  helpless  ones 
Mbiind  ipe:  -Tlius-it  continued  from?  to.  9  in  the  evening,  the  most  thrilling 
picture  which'  the  ii^agination  can  conceive. 

'As'^soon'as  the  firing  ceased, -the  rear  pf  the  army  began  to  move  off  in  the 
di)f«ctloD  of  Harrison's  Landing,  and  the  exhausted  troops  in  front  threw  them- 
selves upon  the  ground  to  rest 

The  greater  portk>n  of  the  transportation  of  the  army  having  been  started 
for  Harrison's 'Landing  during  the  night,  the  order  was  at  once  issued  for  the 
nioveoicnt  of  the  army  upon  the  final  repulse  of  the  enemy  at  Malvern  Hii). 
The  troops  were  to  move  hy  the  left  and  r6ar;  Gen.  Kcyea's  corps  being  ordered 
t>  remain  in  position  until  all  had  moved  ofl',  then  to  cover  the  retreat.. 

.  Omi.  McCldlan  in  his  official  report  awards  great  credit  to  Gcji.  KeVes  for  the 
'  maxuxer  in  which  he  carried  out  these  orders.    He  took  ev^Ty  kd vintage  of  f ae 

••   •       1     r/.:-: 


ADVENTUKES  Of  tj^  W^^ap^fg^tA  UNION  SOLDIER,     sill 


trains  ^er^  kept.in  .1^^ middle.  of_ the  road,4eaving. jr^in,]^]; .t^,infimtrjf. on 
each  side,  soaSrtQ  be  i^  gpod  position.t<).zepel  ^y  attapk  wjbdch  migj^tj^  jn^de 
during  the  march.,,. HiSrdij^IH^itioiisJH^ere  so^successful-t^at,  tP,  U^tijbipwn 

words:  $g^_       ■.,->....;.>:•    ^.    ;.:..;   •.;::;  .■-  r.-  ..-   •   \  ;«.  '  -'  ,■>      V-i..  .^.-  ,. 
i  "1  do  not  ,think.  more  vehicles  S^,  any  more  public  ^rpperty  w$^e  .ftban|[oned  ^ 
on  themaxch  from  Tiu'^^^'i^^S^J'h^  would  have  bpieaa  Ijpft,  i||i  .th^.sa^^st»te  ]. 
<ti  the  ro^dsi^if  th^  fijriny  had  \^^,  moving  toward  tjie^  enemy  i^tj^-<ltrf  way 
from  him;  and  when  it  is  understood  .t^^,.th%car]d^esa^d,t|eams^L^n^^ 
,to  the  army,  stretched  out  in  one  line,  wquMexk^id^lJ^ot  far.  from  4Q  n]ulj^  the 
«ia-gy,and  caution  necessary  for  their  safe  withdrawt^  from  xtheprgs^n^e  of  an 
ipnemxip  yaptly, superior  numbers  will  be.apprecia<|gd," ' 
jc  "li^gh  prauie;"  says  the  Comms^n^ipg.^^e^eral,  "is  adso  due  to  toe^officers 
and  men  of  the  1st  C!onn.  Art,  Col.  Tyler,  for  the  manner  in  which  th/ey  with-  ^ 
drew  all  the  lie^vy  gun$  during  the  Seven  Days  an4  from^alvern  HilL .  Owing 
to  the  crowded  state  of  the  roads,  the  teams  could  not  be  brought  withm  a  couple  . 
of  .miles.of  th^jx)sitioQ;  but  these  CQergetic  soldiers  removed  the  gji^  l^.hand 
ferth^t4i§tojpce,  ieayin^  ii^tiiiJO«J|)el^       h' c:^^Z^m■>iXi'  9.^1^-^.^ 
.,.  TJtie  enqi^iy  ioliowt?;!  tfie  afmj^  .withft/SijL^ll,  force, jj»n<|o9jjaapiiA^   1^5  * 
.few,;shells^t  ^e^  re^irjguard,  iuj.^erejgui^ly  ;d^pei^.]i)yjOii|{baitea^l^ 
.guqJboj^,  ap4p^ the, evening otth;?tb^^d,6f^       t)i§en6reaJrIq^,|iacn^t^^ 

„ .Xl^e,  trooje^^re^ted  a,;nost  aistr^ssipg  appear|fince  a^  thpy  ^ew,  ujyn^liae 

,  «^d|S|a|cked. tU«r  gyiis  at  H^arrjspn/s  Bar.    'i^e^ain  l^k^  ^&e^  pQj^p^j^^ 

B|ips,t of  ^ejugbtv,«i<l:wa^.s^U_^reiy;hi^  tjve  rba(||  into.l^d|  pf  p^^ai ji^^'ihe 

low,  marahy  ground  at  the  Landing  into  such  a  conditicm  that  it  was  impo^^Aile 

to  get  along  4ryshod,  except  for,  those  who  rejoice^in  <,he  possessipA  6f^]bigh 

boots.  ■■..;■  ■    "■'      ••••■•-..-• 

. .  Tjtie  aggregate  of  our  mtijfi  losses  in  the  seven  days'  battles,  trom  tlie  26^1^  of 

Jime  to  the  1st  of  July,  inclusive,  was  ascertained,  after  ?irriying  .ai,"Haj.H^h's 

Landing,  to  be  15.249;  namely,  1,582  killed,  7,709  wouiid^,  and"5,^,missing. 

Qn  ibe  4th  of  July  the  following  ad4reis  was, issued  to  t)ie.1jropps  t>y  Gen. 

McfeieiiMi:  ■'•  :■;■■  ■  '  ^,  ":^"  •  ^':/;:    -^  "'''_■: 

"Headquarters,  Army  p^  the.Potoma'c,  Camp  ISIear  j^ARRisoff's 
' ,  Landing,. July  4,, 1862.'  .^  ', ."     '.'".]'  ~  ^.■'.  .     '  '".;;;'\  ^i!''  '^^^  '  .    . 
,    "Soldio's  of  the  Army,  of  the  Potomac:    Your  achievements  of  the  jbst  10 
diiys  have  illustrate  the^valor  and  endur^ce. of  the  American-  sotcKeK  ' At- 
tacked by  superipr  forces,'  and  without  HopiB  of  ieinfbrcemenfe,'  yoiu  Bave  suc- 

ceeded  m  cnaneing  wour  base.  «  -^  1      

E^arded. as  the  most  hazar(r 

-  '  ■    ■  ■•       »      '  ■  r 


^w-. 


112     ^?        ^1-.^.:V;  r-:|ffU|l^.4NI).  ^PY^ 


0  ■■>}.  -^n  :K.:?.  A 


your  mateHaI<>  all:  your  j^rains  and  ^  pur  gjins,  except  a  few  lost  in  battle, 
takingan  refairn  gims^dicojorslraip  the  enemv.  .  Upon  vour  niarch,  you  have' 
been  assaile^'day  after  day,  with  desperate  fuiry,  ^y  mw  of  the  s«tf^ 
nation,  skillfuily  massed  and  led  IJiid^r  every  disadvantage  of  niHnberS,Wdf 
necessarily  of  ;positioift  also,  you  have  in  everj'rcQnfiicl  beaten  back  v^tir  Joes? 
With  enormous ,  slaughter. 

"Your  conduct  ranks  you  among  the  celebrated  armies  of  history.  No  one 
will  now  question  that  each  of  you  may  always  with  pride  say:  'I  belong  to  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  '  You  have  reached  the  new  base,  complete  in  organiza- 
tion and  unimpaired  in  spirit.  The  enemy  may  at  any  moment  attack  >ou. 
We  are  prepared  to  meet  them:  I  have  personally  established  your  lines. 
Let  them  come,  and  we  will  convert  their  repulse  into  a  final  defeat.  Your 
Government  is  strengthening  you  with  the  resources  of  a  great  people. 

"On  this,  our  Nation's  birthday,  we  declare  to  pur  foes,  who  are  enemies 
against  the  best  interests  of  mankind,"  that  this  army  shall  enter  the  Capital 
of  the  so-called  Confederacy;,  that  our  National  Constitution  shall  prevail,  and 
that  the  Union,  which  can  alone  insure  internal  peace  and  external  security 
to  each  State,  'must  and  shall  be  preserved,'  cost  what  it  may  in  time,  treasure, 
and  blood.",  '- 


'■    ».     iv../;  •:  v....   CHAPTER  XVlil.  ■-•  '■  ■:'     •■:    •>)  ;.o  ;  :- 

Return  of  Old  Acquaintances— The  Wounded  Colonel— I  Visit  Wasl^ingtpn 
MiUtary  Display— Epaulets— Aristpcracy-^Spirit  of  Johnny  Bull—Soldiers' 
Free  Library— Contraband  Camp— Negro  Testimony— Patient  Charley. 
Painful  PoMtion-^rothcr's  Last  Conversation— Return  to  the  Army. 
Christian  C6mmission— Gen.  Howard's  Speech, 

About  a  Week  after  we  arrived  at  Harrison's  Landing,  a  number  of  our  absent 

ones  joined  us,  among  whom  were   Mr.  and    Mrs.  B :,  Nellie,  Jack,  my 

wounded  darky  friend  from  Williamsburg  Hospital,  and  last  and  least  of  ail 

came  that  pusillaniraous'coward.  Col. ,  whom  I  had  assisted  in  carrying 

from  the  field  at  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  and  whom  Doctor  E— -  had 

ordered  back  to  his  regiment  under  penalty  of  being  reported  to  his  superior 
officer.  .The  next  day  after  the  arrival  of  this  individual  I  received  a  message 
requesting  mc  to  appear  at  the  headquarters  of  the  regiment.  I  started  im- 
mediately, and  found  to  my  astonishment  that  it  wes  this  Colonel  who  desired 
an  interview  with  me. 

Hue  had  been  gone  on  furlough  ever  since  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  and 
had  played  his  cards  so  well  that  he  Ijad  ^eiji  promoted  to, the. command  of  a 
brijiadju  Hehadjalsii^managedi  by£fa]^r#pr§sentation%  to,Jia'\{c  tHe  f9)lo^^ing; 
notice  inserted  in  the  leading  newspapers  of  his  native,  St5.te,  yiz,.  "CJgi..  - — -  wa3 


I       . 

ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOif  AN  is -A  UNION  SOLDIEK:       113 

severely' wounded  at  Ihe  Wtle  of  WilUainisbiirjfif  while  ^dlaiitJyl^ 
desperate  charge  on  the  eheray's  woirks/aritf  Wats  carried  fi^Mii  th«  freld,  Imtno;- 
soon^r  had,  the  Surgeons  bound  Up  hi^  wound  than  th6  nohic  irndpfl^tieiic:^ 
Colonel  returned  again  to  his  commahd  iand  ledhisTnch  again  arid  again  upon- 
the  foe,  until  the  day  was  woii;  when  he  sank  upon  the  ground,  exhausted  f  •onx--^ 
loss  of  blood  and  fatigue,  and  was  carried  the  second  time  by  his  men  froin 
the  field. 

The  paper  in  which  thi^  false  statement  was  published  found  its  way  to 

camp,  and  Dr.  E replied  to  it,  soraCiYhat  chnmjins  the  clitors  sentiments 

with  regard  to  the  conduct  of  the  "nolle  and  pat  iaf.c  Colonel."    He,  the  Col- 
onel, had  now  returned  to  wreak  vengeance  upon  Dr.  E--— ; 

Going  to  his  tent  I  found  the  Colonel  alon-.  He  arose  es  1  entered,  «nd  in 
rather  an, excited  manner  spoke  as  follov/s:  '^ 

"I  am  informed  that  you  are  one  of  the  persons  who  carried  me  off  the  field 
when  I  was  wounded  at  Williamsburg,  and  witricssod  the  infair.ous  conduct 
of  Dr.  E^ ,  and  heard  the  insulting  language  which  he  used  toward  me." 

I  did  not  reply,  but  s'-ood  gazing  at  the  man  before  me.  He  looked  me  iji 
the  face  for  the  first  time  since  1  entered,  and  discovering  the  smile  of  cortterapt 
v/hich  I  could  not  suppress,  he  seized  me  roughly  by  the  arm  and  exclaimed: 

"See  here,  boy,  what  do  you  mean?    Why  do  you  not  answer  me?" 

1  replied  with  provoking  coolness  and  the  same  sarcastic  smile: 

"Pardon  me,  sir;  1  was  not  aware  that  you  asked  me  a  direct  question;  I  under- 
stood you  to  say  that  you  were  informed  ihat  I  was  one  of  the  pdrsons  who 
carried  you  oil  the  battlefield  at  W^iiliamsburg.  I  have  the  honor  to  inform 
you  that  thus  far  Voiir  informant  was  correct.^  :  :  f    .       ;.  ic 

'Then  you  saw  the  treatment  which  I  received,  and  heardlthe  abusive  ]6a-i' 
guage  which  Dr..  E—— made  use  of  on  that  oGcaaon?"  s     -      ;     L      -    .. 

"1  saw  Dr.  E^—  c::aminc  you  carefullj-  and  thoroughly,  and  when  he  could 
discover  no  cause  for  your  being  brought  there,  I  heard  him  isay^  'GqIobcI,  yo« . 
are  not  wounded  at  all.  You  had  better  let  these  boys  carry  you  back  to  your 
regiment,'  and  when  you  so  suddenly  recovered  your  strength  and  sprang  to 
your  feet,  making  use  of  threats  and  profane  language,  he  said.  If'  you  do 
not  return  to  your  regiment  within  15  minutes  I  will  report  j^ou  to' Gen. .'" 

Suddenly  relaxing  his  grasp  of  my  arm,  he  assumed  a  fawning  tone  and 
manner,  and  takhig  a  paper  from  his  pocket  he  asked  me  to  put  ray  name  to  it, 
and  he  would  reward  me  handsomely.  I  took  the  document  from  his  hand  arid 
read  it  carefully.  It  was  drawn  up,  as  near  as  I  can  reinember,Wler  the  follow- 
ing manner: 

"This  is  to  certify  that  Col. has  been  infamously  treated  and  mahciously 

slandered  by  Dr.  E ,  while  said  Colonel  was  suffering  from  a  wound  received 

at  Williamsburg  battle.    Two  of  the  undersigned  carried  him  bleeding  froaitt 
the  field,  and  witnessed  the  cruel  treattnent  and  insulting  language  of  Dr.  E -,. 

After  raiding  the  docitoetot,  ia^d^er^  cdnUy  todAiecidedlyr^Oiloirtl,^ 
mu^t  decline  signing  this  pnapei;'' -    -    "s    *.    *^ ,  it    i-    ;j    ;*    v    iC  ii. 


it-- 


.••%;•--  *.;-    •(■.•■;V-  . jV '-' ^i'^y'T!^' iJ!a»!".. JW?'.- li.uMi jujnj'!' WW» ■  ■ ' 


'  ^i  ^  'r  ■■•■ 


•-.';"'•    .T    t 


if.' 


J^a^iftg  J^^^,mg^o,v«r.ib«^5i^  plrvtbft  J«!Pi?%  PS^e^e  :ft^;4tf?i.#^  ^ 

ton,  Georgetown  and  Al«;cai\dyrifi,  and,,yano))s  pthe^  pli^fes  of  inter.est   ,  ■ 

L.^as^ooouius^ioned  with.numero  had  any  amount^  ol.mes- 

.saces  to  deliver  foe  officers  and  others;  as.  many  pf  our  men  Jilll^ere  in  the  diS^ent 
.hos|ut^^in  those  cities,  and  1. was  expected  tp  find  them  and, deli verl^^ters, 

Pf^H^fM:-       r    :;     ,  :..;^i-    :,  -        .     :■.,    „-,_,  =  ,,• ;.  ^ 

..The  inUitafy  di^lay.made^in,  Washington  is  .certainly  as!tpnlshing,^esp«ci- 
,8yy.t9ith9se  who  are  g^jcustpmed.to  si§e  Major-Generals  gOjaround  in_^^oucbed 
hats..,{ui^^fatiKue  coats,  wjithout  eyen.a  stau-  to^designate  their  r^k... But 
co^^.|knd  plumed  ha^  scarlet-lined  riding  cloaks,  swords  and,  sf^shes,  high 
hoots  and.  Spanish,  spurs',  immeiisc  epaulets,  glittering  stars^^aryj  gavLj-cai^r- 
isoned.  horses,  are  to  be.  seen  by  the  hundreds  tu-ound  Willard's  Hotel  and 
.other,|Jac.earof  re^rt..,,    ..  ,   ..  _    .,-,;;.  ..•:■•.   -kx.. 

I  noticcxi  that  some  in  particular  wore  painfully-tight  uniforms  and  yery 
spi^U  cap^^kept.pn  by  some,  pew. Jaw  of  gra^dtation,  as  one  portion  rested  on 
-^tiie  bg^p  of  ,st^,este^,  ,flind..the  other  on  the.bridge  of  the  nose.  ."Mjas^Peri- 
^  wsmkk"^ys  of  .this  cla^  of  .militfury.  herpes;,,  "^^^V  \p^  hkJe,  sJufi^-^wJs, 
i^l^yi^?i(i^i9S  if  tlJBs^f^t;^  of ^9,ISfa[tiojj  d.epei^.e^;.uppnthei^ speed aJfl^e/j.;  . 
?i^iip*^^^  i»f%t.Q*ii»Vw?i»^yiy  .d.effn4^;^hemwitiieiic|ty  of  ,epsi^^  in.^as^h- 
ix.^l*P^  W^^erji  «'^RPr<y;M'^teiy,ramfkrlisv,-[*%ljjar.d';^i^^^  s.^^" 

.J'uit,  the  General-in-Chief  is  in  Wa^ngtoi^,',and  h?^  A  §t^^^jn^es^riiiy. 
jSocoft^yi  ii^  .gua|yjtpaoa^rif3,ept!r^  ^he,: A(yF''<(^)Q!^!"9j»  ;% .il'^M^y 
,.,9i?yegiQ?jjt%  Bayi^^tgrrGen^,  ^tb?  SuxgeonrG^niarflJI,  b^ye  ea?|  ^.^^^ 
,j.^i]^«5y'  j^iij^ ioii>t^  iflihe  city  l^oiffi(^s...;Fpur^hly,  t^e^^^ 

.•A jpuultude  pf  .^L^geqnik.  ea^ly  mistaken ;  for  army  _pfficers,..  ,as:  they  w.^.uni- 
', forms,.  *Ad^  to -thesf  the  convalescent  officers  just  able  to  m^ve  abciut,  and 
-  yoii  have -hundreds  necessarily  in  Washington.    And  of  course  the  display  of 
epaulets  ^is\ great*. 

^    Notyitbistanding^be  "trpublpus  times,"  there  are  generally  gay  times  at  thq 
.Capitalr .  I«<evees  and  public  receptions  are  frequent,  except  during  the  reign 
ot  .tejTpr,  when  some  bold  da^h  of  rebel  cavalry  is  made  upon  the  devoted  c^ty, 
■  and  tb^  th^re  is  a  genuine  panic  for  a  short  time. 

In.  Washington  I  think  there  is  as  much  of  the  aristocratic  spirit  as„you  will 
.find  .in  the  United  Sti^tes.  .  People  there  are  respected  and,  grades  .£iccording  to 
^hei^  unifprm;  evjory^tbing  is  regulated  according  to  caste^  ^nd  it  isj^  David 
Crocket  says  about  dining:  "Common  people  dine  at  12,  common  clerks„iilJDe- 


day, 


-^'  ABVENTUR3ES  OPA  W6MAK'A»  A  UNION  SOLDIER       HS 


In  (me  oft  my  nunt>1es  I  visited  the  Seaate^  Cbieuiiber.  It  was  unbcci^iied, 
except  1)y  a  fe#  specimens  of  yoUnfAnaerKa,  %lk)  vrerc  jAayinglttiffi4ni[xri'« 
theseats  ahd  desks.  I  leisurely  surveyed  every  item  of  ijiiteiest;  sat  ih  StEtdser's 
ch^ur,  andrecalled  the  scene  enacted  ihite  a'f  ew  years  previous,  «md  m  iiaaifina- 
tioD  th^hedCrdbks  until  he  Was  a  fit'subject  for  a  hospitsU,  then  ;fil^jt''}>i'n 
a  farewell  coup  de  pied,  I  betook  iue  to  th^  picture  srallcries.    •    -'""  •        ■■^■-  >■ 

After  admiring  Pocaliontas  sufBcicnUy,  and  gazing  at  expiring  heroes, 
who  all  "appeared  to  be  quitting  their  earthly  tabernacles  in  con- 
vuljions,"  ruffled  shirts,  and  a  tremwidous  shower  of  bombshells, 
until  my  head  ached,  I  then  turned  for  relief  to  the  noble  form-  of  "The 
Father  of  his  Country,"  which  looked  out  from  the  canvas  in  all  the  princely 
majesty  which  characterized  that  great  and  good  man.  I  stood  in  rapt  and 
profound  reverence,  when  a  friend  drew  my  attention  to  two  paintings  which  I 
had  not  noticed  before.  They,  represented  the  surrender  of  Lord  Go^nwallis  and 
Gen.  Burgoyne.  I  felt  a  wafhi  current  of  blood  rush, to  my  face  as  I  contem- 
plated the  humiliating  scene;  the  spirit  of  Johnrv  Bull  triumphed  over  my 
Yankee  predilections,  and  I  left  the  building  with  feelings  of  humiliation  and 
disgust       :■  -'  ■-■-:.:..;"■       .■■-' -^ :"•..' -.'^ 

Next  in  order,  I  visited  the  "Soldiers'  Free  Librarj',"  in  5th  street,  under  the 
superintendence  of  John  A.  Fowle,  Esq.  He  has  accumulated  over  2,300 
volumes  of  well  selected  historical,  bioj^raphical  and  reKgiouS  works.  The 
soldier's  in  the  different  hosiata]s  hisive  the  free  use  of  the  library,  wiuch  is  v^>en 
daily.  The.  room  is  mcely  furnished,  and  the  pfetUres  l^uiginig  (^  tHe  trails 
give  it  a  cheerful  home-lopk,  and  the  $oldi6rs  cpnie  there  by  the  Score.  It  d;  an 
excellent  arrangement.  Thanks  to  the  benevolent  hearts  and  handithiatMve 
provided  siiqh  a  lijxury  for  the Soldiw-,    '  ;    ;      ^  :    [■■: .  ■'  '.  •",•  '^:  *;  .^\r 

An  hour's  walk  through  the  cpn^biind  camp  was  amusing  And  iii^tr»cliy<!. 
Here  w«"e  specimeris  of  all: grades  of  the  iiq^ro  character, 'from, the  ice^oiDe 
pious,  choerfuK  trustirijf  Chr^^an;  to.thg  !s*«ey,Hfi»j:;  rf^ifci^edicr^^ 
genera|tions  of  slavery  has  made  almost  on  a  levelwithth^  beasts^  bf.tfa^^d;. 
but  all  of  Otitm  kindhearted,  merry-tera^ored,  and  quick  td  fed«iid  accept  tihe 
lea^^t '.token  ofkihdness.  ;    .  ' ,  ;  .  .: . ,  -  , ,.  '  _'.. ..,  j :  •.  :  ^  ;.  , ;  .«,  ." 

Their  cheerfulness  is  proverbial;  old^  women,  with  wool  white  with  a^e,  bept 
over  -the  wash-tub,  grinned-  «id  g<?ssiped  in  the-  vOfAi  cb^^ul  vmatu,  'girls 
romped  with  their  dusky  sw^thearts,:  and  mothers  tos^  their:  W»esif»tth 
that  tender  prMe.and  motherrlQve  which  beautifies  the  blackest  ap4  bo«stolii:$t 
face..  ■'■■  :  :  ■'■'••  '•  *  ...  ^  .1- ,...-.  _  .•;,^/:;■;■  .•  ■\-7r,:!'.' 
'  All  were  happy  because  th^'  were  fre<p,  and  there  sonned  to,  be  no  ropm.  for 
anything  like  gloom  or  despQndwjcy  in  Uieir  hearty.  ?  Mtn,  ^oaxea,' vnA-'f^- 
dreii  sang,  whistled,  and  laughed  V>sether,  and  whether,  their  adngsTwere  ot 
heavenor  of  hoecakes,  they  were  equally  inspiring:. :  *  .  ,     *'       ,  "  '  ^ 

•I  found  a  young  lady  therje  from' the  I^erth; ,wfap  had  dcwae  toIWashiJictdB 
with  the  intoiUon  of  nursing  the  ^k  sohjiers,  htit  h«r  sympathi^  bi^'^di^- 


.  iS-i 


:«    >W^V^ 


dedbetweeo  sick  America  and  dowiitroiideti  Afrida,  i^e  decfiled  to  ieiiS6h  flie 
cbnirabaads  instead.  She  seemed  ddifhttid  #ith^lMtf  emplbyi^il,  ttP  t^ 
little  bladt  faces  were  beaming  w^hJ03^  is  thejr  Katittrld  ai'ot^d  iuat  ioticetrt 
instFUctioha.     ""    "'  ^  '  "''  '  '' '    ''    "'     '''''     ''     ''  '■'   TV 

One  colored  man  stood  listoiinK  to  the  questions  ^hkh  were  being  asked  JBod 
answered,  and  looked  as  if  he  would  like  to  give  in  his  testimony.  I  turned  to 
him,  and  asked:  ''How  is  it  with  you?  Do  you  think  you  can  take  care  of 
yourself,  now  that  you  have  no  miaster  to  look  after  you?" 

"Gosh  a-mi{hty,  suessl  cttii! '  Ben  taking  car'  of  self  and  massa  too  for  dia 
15  year.    Guess  I  can  take  car'  of  dis  nig  all  alone  now."  V 

While  at  one  of  the  hospitals  in  Alexandria,  the  head  steward  told  me  the 
following  touching  incident,  which  occurred  in  that  hospital.  Said  he: 
'  "A  ybiing  man  had  been  placed  uhder  our  ca^e,  who  had  a  severe  wound  in 
thte  thigh.  The  ball  passed  Cotnpletely  through,  ^d  amputation  was  neces^ 
sary.  The  limb  was  cut  up  close  to  the  body,  the  ai-teries  taken  up,  and  ha 
seemed  to  be  doing  well.  Subsequently,  one  of  the  small  arteries  sloughed  ojBT. 
An  incision  was  made,  and  it  was  taken  up.  'It  is  wdl  it  was  not  the  main 
artery,'  said  the  Surgeon,  as  he  performed  the  operation.  'He  might  have  bled 
to  death  before  it  could  have  been  taken  up.'  But  the  patient,  (Gharley,  as  we 
always  spoke  of  him,)  got  on  finely  for  a  time,  and  was  a  faybfite  with  us  ^ 

"I  iiras  paj^hg  through  the  ward' one  t^ght,  About  niidmghi^  whoi  sud- 
di^iy, -as  1  was'  pasing  (dharleyV  W/^he  sp^ke  to  me:  'H— ^,  my^  leg  >* 
bieec^g  again.^  Ith^ew'back  tj^js  heddoues^  apd  the.bkipd  s^ted  in  ^e 
a&.    Tit4  m]&in!iBU't«y  had  sle^  -     „ 

"Folrtu^ately,  'l  li:new  just  what  to^do;  ai^d  In  ai^  instMti  I  had  pr.:eaMd jay. 
thumb  oa;  the  place^  wd  stofi^^^t^^  blee^gl  liwjss  ^  cifm  to. th^^bqdy 
that  there,  w^s  barely  room  for  my  thumbs  pjAt  1  succeedecl  in  keeiping  .it^t^4 
and  arousii^^  one  of  the  convalescents,  i|fjit.lbdin  foi  the  Swgopn,  who  came^ 
on  a  run. 

"'I  am  so  thankful,'  said  he,  as  he  saw  me,  'that  you  were  up,  and  knew 
what  to  do,  for  otherwise  he  must  have  bled  to  death  before  I  could  have  got 
here.' 

"But  on  ex«nination  of  the  case,  he  looked  exceedingly  serious,  and  sent 
for  othCT  Surgeons.  All  came  who  were  within  reach,  and  a  consultation  was 
held  o^er  the  poor  fellow.  One  conclusi(Mi  was  reached  by  alL  There  wasAo 
place  to  work,  save  the  spot  wh&K  my  thumb  was  placed;  they  could  not  work 
under  my  thumb,  and  if  I  removed  it  he  would  bleed  to  death  before  the  artery, 
could  be  taken  up.    There  was  no  way  to  save  his  life.       .       .      .    .  , .  ^ , 

"Poor  Charley!  He  was  very  calm  when  they  toM  him,  and  he  requested 
that  his  brother,  who  was  in  the  same  hospital,  mig^t  be  caHed  up.  He  ca^fl 
and s^ downby  the^be^de,  and Jor ^iree l^Hit^ Istoq^  fwdaJjyM^ir^lPSuj^j 
of  my.tliumblf;^)!  iv  the  li{eotClipl4^r>  ^^^  ^^^f^^!"*^^^  ^'^I'^'^M^i!' 
^eraatjonon  wiL  It  waa^aftra^g^pof^^f^^^  ^f^tf»fttt 

bdd  ilikm^attmmmoiiif^iam^)^^       ataJBgcryrt  to  ftwl  tM  an  act 


-■n'vV-'  'f..^''>   ■  :- ri  ■■;:,:    -'  '■.  'yVi    \.,!v« ■-';>;; .  * 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WC|IAN  JJS^  UOTON  SOLDIER      *17 

ol  m^e  mus|  c^^use  that  lU&toijd<^8^,.  JU>,ig[ng  the  pc)prifll<w  as; J  dldt^  ¥^ 
a^hagd  tho^h|^:i)ut  t|ere,w^  i;w ;^ie||i^ve.,=.  Z:^  last 
(^a^leyha^  a^raa|;^aU.hi3^busu^5)sss>.^^^ 

absent  ones,  who  little  dreamed  how  near  their  loved  one  stood  to. ^.-grajw. 
The  tears  filled  my  eyes  more  tiian  once  as  I  luttened  to  those  parting  words. 
The  last  good-by  was  spoken;  thrai  turning  to  me,  he  said:  'Now,  H— --,  I 
guess  you  had  better  remove  your  thumb '  'Oh,  Chu-ley!  how  can  I,'  said 
I.  'But  it  must  be  done,  you  know,'  he  replied.  'I  thank  you  very  much  jfor 
your  kindness,  and  now,  good-by.'  He  turned  away  his  head.  I  raised  my 
thumb,  once  more  the  life-curfrait  gushed  forth,  and  in  three  minutes  he  was 
dead." 

Havihg  heard  and  se«i  considerable  on  my  little  pleasure  trip,  and  my  leave 
of  absence  having  nearly  expired,  1  prepared  to  return  once  more  to  duty,  and  . 
on  my  way  to  the  boat  1  was  fortunate  enough  to  meet  with  some  of  the  Christi«i 
Commission  delegates,  who  were  going  to  Harrison's  Landing  on  the  same* 
boat,  and  had  quite  a  supply  of  good  things  for  our  sick  and  wounded.  May 
God  bless  the  Christian  Commission;  it  is  d<^g  a  noble  work,  not  only  for  the 
sick  and  wounded,  but  for  our  sokiiers  genn-ally. 

Gen.  Howard,  of  Maine,  that  noble  Chfistitui  patriot  of  whom  I  have  spc^en  in 
a  previous  chapter,  was  one  of  the  ^eakers  at  the  great  meeting  in  Philadel- 
phia, Jan.  2^,  the  second  ahi^versary  of  the  U^mted  States  Chri^iahC^ 
siqh,  H^  delivered  a  most  toucfaihg  and  ap^prit^  address  oil  tHiai  .occa^Q,n, 
and  as  it  expressed  my  own  sehtimoi^^  both  Iri^  ^^'■f  d  to  Ihe  Cl^ifftum 
Commissioh  and  the  religion  of  Christ  generally*  I  will  quote  a  jpprUc^oif  |u£s 
sijeech,  for  the  benefit  of  my  readers  who  may  iiot  hlave  r«ad  it  else^ho^: 

''I  may  1)e'i^k)wed  to;  sp^  frd^y  to  the  f noids  who  are  here  iokn^h^ .  L^ 
me  teil  you  6ne  thlAg  V^hiiih  Ineed  ^ot  suppress  if  I  cpul^  juid  iQiat^is,  ;tha|l 
fe^f  in  my  ht!»rt  a  deep  and  abicffiig  interest  in  the  cauae  of  my  ttedeeiner,'  I 
know  that  this  ts  also  the  cauae  df  the  Christian  Commission,  an^  fhex^ore,  t 
love  it,  and  identify  myself  with  it;  and  I  doubt  not  tiiat  you  love  it,  «id  will  do 
everything  to  sustain  it,  for  a  like  reason.  And  now  I  aric  you,  as  I  am  to  go 
back  to  the  field  to  take  up  my  cross  anew,  and  to  stand  np  night  and  day, 
evening  and  morning,  for  the  cause  of  Him  I  love,  that  yofur  earnest^  impor- 
tunate prayers  may  follow  me,  and  that  God  would  bless  the  soldiers,  that  evil 
may  be  repressed  among  them,  and  that  when  they  go  into  battle  they  may  go 
wiUibiit  a  fear,  because  they  know  in  whom  they  have  betieved. 

"I  assert  that  the  highest  type  of  courage  is  Cl^ristian  courage.  When  your 
spirit  yearns  up  to  God  in  prayer,  'Oh,  Lord,  be  my  protector,  and  in  this  peril 
let  me  nm  undo-  the  shadow  of  thy  wing,'  tiien  you  will  fear  no  evil,  though 
you  wtdk  throtigh  tiie  valley  and  the  shadow  of  death.  My  frioids,  these 
things  are  realities  with  me.  By  tiie  bhsising  of  God,  by  His  qtirit,  he  has 
fldui^iedtdwHo  Ikve^ii^bar'ein^  sitovHA  hi^  takenie  away  I  shaUgo  to 

tiw^Himf  )^bee^2^I^iMl<^>^^.^^^ 
*  Saii^,  ai  (#stiidlnj^1^t&,1^is  Me%>  s^v/even  itie  clielfpf  wmva. 


»'••■>,, •auflwvi!'"."^  ■  ^^'^f>\"'»'"w'f''}' 


■•  .1    >■■ 


118.  :        -NURSE  AND  SPY,: :: 

UBto.ihfe  uijn^t.  -,'T\m^ore,  I  atn  at>le  to  say^that  I  can  go  into  the  battle 
fearioK  lio.  evili ,  A^nd  ^ovl<i  to.  God,  for  their  §ake^,  that  every  ofGc^r  in  the 
army  and  sOkU^  jori'tiie  raioM^  could  declare,  in  s}n<;erity,  from  the  depths  of  hlis 
h^KitiAt  God  hiul  done  such  sreAt  things  for  him!  These,  tpmei  aresettlei^, 
softinin  cpAvi6tions;>nd  I  ^p^iajt  them  freely  ai)d  frankly,  as  I  ani  en(;oiu'aged 
to  do  oh  this  auspicious occasioii.  ;      '      •;,  ■,<.' 

"It  may  sewi  to  son»e  that  it  is  expressing  one's  feelings  too  publicly;  but  I 
thuik'  itweil  for  me  to  beaf  such  testimony  in  a  work  like  yours,  which  con- 
tenipllitestiiiis.iirreftt  and  all-important  result,  the  promotion  of  heart  religion 
an4  ^  n^lyiktign  of  ^ouls.  And  e^pe^ially  dq  I  feel  this  i|i  these  times  of  ex- 
citement <thd  terror,  over  the  mere  temporal  accessories  of  war,  the  dreadful 
s3H:^irice  dfli^,  the  horrible  ^ghts  of .  trounds,  the  caring  for  the  sick  and 
wounded;  the  lahi6nt9tion3,{6r  the  dead,  amid  all  this  I  fear  that  the  still,  small 
Toiide  hit{&  n0t  l^lways  beenlistoied  to;  the  silent  and  beautiful,  though  wonder- 
*fv(l  trork  of  tlw  Spirit  of  God  has  not  been  seen,  and  it^  importance  felt  as  it 
sjlipuid  .be  in  our  land.  Tiiis  the  Christian  Commission  is  striving  to  accom- 
pUih;  it  s«eki  to  k^ep  &H ve  the  si»rit  of  Christianity  among  our  soldiers.  Their 
agency  is  the  leaver^  in  our  ani^ios.    M(iy  they  leaven  the  whole  lump! 

"It  Is  this  oiiiy  that  will  prepare  us  for  our  liberty.  This  bond,  the  bond  of 
ChHjstiaiii  lo'vei  is  the  true  bond  after  all  that  shall  permanently  unite  us.  There 
isJmd  odiliBr.  .  Vfx  speak  Of  .the  clfldmsof  commerce  and  trade,  of  com  and  cotton, 
thai  i^l  titii Je  the  ^tBnSjof  oiir  cbuhtty;  but'these  are  temporary^  fluctuating, 
periling  links.;  .The  reli^on  lof  JesUs  Christ  is  the  lasting  bond  that  ooii- 
n'ecis  not  only  .'Maine  i^ith  Massachusetts^  and  Massachusetts  with  Connecti- 
cut, :  but  'Maine  with  Texas  and  Florida  with' Wisconsin. 

"Vfe  boast  of -bang^an'  asylum  for  all  Nations.  From  England,  Ireland, 
Frarice,  Germany^  Russia,  and  almost  every  country  beyond  the  ocean,  come 
men,  women  and  childrm,'  who  settle  down,  in  our  midst.  How  shall  we  cause 
tb«tu  to  atfteitnilate  to  us?  How  shall  we  ever  make  them  good  and  useful 
cltiieens?  Will  it  be,  think  you,  by  merely  giving'them  land  on  which  to  settle? 
Will  they  become  one  with  us 'because  they  grow  in  material  wealth  fcnd  pros-  , 
perity?  *No,  no!  Nothing  but  an  education,  a  true  education  of  heart  and 
morals,  ^dh  as  th6  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  imparts,  can  ever  truly  and  safdy 
assimilate  all  these  heterogeneous  elements,  and  enable  us  to  be  truly  one 
people. 

The  gospel  has  its  victories  to  achieve  for  us  as  well  as  the  sword.  Many 
of  the  rebels  liated  us  worse  before  the  war  than  they  do  now.  They  resp<«t 
us  much  more  thMi  they  once  did,  after  seeing  that  we  are  not  afreud  to  expose 
our  bodies  to  be  burned,  if  necessary,  in  a  just  cause — the  cause  of  our  country 
tisat  we  love;  that  we  shrink  from  no  sacrifice  (A  monej^  time  or  life  in  order  to 
maintain  and  perpetuate  the  beaut  fu'  Government  that  our  fathers  bequeathed 
to  OS. '  sit  this fe  not  idl.  'They  have  felt,  too,  the  power  of  the  spirit  of  kind- 
n<MB  a&d)oTe,  of  which' th^religi(^  of  Jesu^  has  borne  so  many  fruits  in  this 


■tragfla'.--   •      ■-;  ..•  % 


sif- 


\ 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.      116 

'^H'^  :m®?VP^^f  ^^'?<^#»  ^''^^^^^ 

they  <x»ae  inito  our  lines  how  they  say  tiiey  vrett  foirciBd  (o  fi^hi^  .thiii  tl^cy  art  ^ 
Union  men,  apd  always  were  Union  men.  And  they  are  ccaniiig;  in  every  day* 
We  have  just  heard  th&t  wh'oi  Gen.  Rosecrans  took  command  of  ttie  Cumber-  . 
land  army,  8,0Q0.delivered  themselves  up  to  us.  And  do  they  hate  ust  _  No!  , 
We  have  melted  them  do,wn  by  Christian  kindness  and  loye.  And,  my  frimds,  . 
this  is  the  way  to  disarm  them.  I  believe,  and  say  it  with  emphatic  assiirflrace, 
that  if  we^ll  haye  the  spirit  of  thQ  Master  inour  hearts  we  shidl  det^praUze ,., 
them  whorever  we  find  them!  ,     v.  .^, .'    .      ..     .  ■' 

"1  do  not  ad  vpcate  any  shrinking  back  or  checking  of  .the  teirible  steeds  oi' , 
war.    No!    FiU  up  the  ranks.    M^ke  the  next  iqam^gh  more  vigorous  than  .; 
any.  that  has  gone  before  it,  so  that  it  shall  bey  by  the  Divine  help,:  perfecUy ),. 
impo^ble  lor  the  rebels  to  keep  the  field.-.  But  let  us.  wield  this  powtt  aldtie ' 
with  the  alleviating  and  savyig  influoices  of  thf  religion  of  Christ-  'X^. these,,  . 
as  diffused  by  the  Christian  Commission  and  ini  other  ways,  follow^our  ttfmies  - 
everj^where,  bl.essing  friend  and  foe  alike,  and  ,we  shiiall  then  cause^the  eniaq*;^, .;; 
to  c9me;9^^n^OW:IiAes,^0.(^       <iie  8^QC^ jjiiiji^jjjw^^ 
It  i?  l(loi§.  Ui«|,V  wiU^ui^j,  t^Qir  j:au^(a,  and  finf^jF  brifa^^  4;95wp.j|^^|r  G|pp^t^^  .^, 

My.'Conptaat  (Srai^pe^Nkw-TDispeUiijg-tHe  SfljwsrT^mtlfrN«iliftF7Fi*^«»iiv»thikfi:^ 

•  Hospital — ^Asleep  aod  Awake— My  Horse  Again — At  Harrison^s  LandlQg<t;7; 

.Impatient  to  Move — Dissatisfaction  in  the . Army— rjlpkeat.f reap, Rich-  -i 

-mondr—Return  >ta .Newport  News— Suspicious, Quartfrs — Searcbing  'the?-. 

Houqe  and. Finding  Rebel  Soldiers— Thanks  to  the  Army— Our  Arriyal  v 

at  Aquia  Creek :- .^to  j;.r.  v<v^  „i -^-v^ ;.■;>.;  ,>-r5.v  ■;  ■.••.•....    ■■..,,--i-[   %.  ^„ 


*■ 


While  we  rwnained  at  Harri^n's  IjandingI  ^p<pt  njuich  f)f  .jpy  time.iQ  tha 
hospitals,  .Nellie  was  now  my  faithful  friend  aud  ccnnpanuH},,my  ooll^gue 
whjpri  oh  duty,  ,a»d  my  escQr^<^  all  occasi<ms  In  my  rid^^^  She ,  - 

was  aj^J^^difi  jfCQflpiaii,  «nd  ha^  the  best  faculty^  of  d%>el6ngt|«iblu<^^  fjur^  ^ . 
and  dismals  of  =any  pec5on  I  evo-  met.  When  we  went  to.  a  hospital  aqd  fqi^  ,L 
the  nivses  looking  tired  and  anxious  and  the  patients  gloomy  and  sad,  it  never 

anably  left  the  men  m  a  more  cheerful  mood,  evidoitly  boiefited  by  n^mur^. 


am 
invarial 


a  little  respite  from  that  depressing  melancholy  so  prevaleai  among  the^l 
and  so  often  indulged  by  nurses. 


\ 

lA  otfr  o'imiiosiMtal  we  ^^erally  nianag^  td  so' assort  anVi  aarraftse'the 
patients  as  to  have  all  of  the  same  temperament  and  disease  together,  so  that 
we  knew  just  what;  to  do  and  wb^^t  to  say  to  suit  each  diepaiftnfent.  We  had^ur 
patients  divided  into  three  classes:  one  was  our  Working  department,  anotha" 
our  pleasure  department,  and  a  third  our  pathetic  deparfanent.  One  we  visited 
with  bandages,  plasters  and  pins;  another  with  books  and  flowers;  and  tiie 
third  with  beef  tea,  currant  wine,  and  general  consolation.  Sometimes  Nellie 
would  sit  and  fan  the  patients  for  hours  in  the  latter  department,  and  sing  some 
soothing  pieces  in  her  soft,  sweet  strains,  until  she  would  have  them  all  asleep, 
or  quiet  as  babies.    I  think  the  soldiers  may  truly  say  of  the  gentle  Ndlie: 

Her  soothing  tones  with  peace  beguile 

The  weary  hours  of  pain, 
And  make  the  lonely  sufferer  smile 

And  joy  to  come  again. 

•  Still  let  me  often  hear  thy  voice, 

Which  gently  whispers  peace,  ■  ' 
And  let  niy  troubled  heart  rejofce, 
t    c       •    7    .;    T   And  strains  of  sadness  cease;    :^^     . /•;   ;      <     - 

otill  speak  to  rne  of  pleasant  things—  "  \'    ' '  ..' 

^    ..     .^         OJF  faith,  and  hope,  apd  Joy;  ,,^'  V         ,     • 

*rh'en  shall  I  rise  on  lightsome  wings 
Where  pains  no  oipre.. annoy. 

I  used  to  watch  with  ihuch-  interest  the 'countenances  of  those  men  as  they 
lay  fast  asleep,  and  1  often  thought  thai  I  could  read  their  characters  better 
when  asleep  than  when  awake.  Some  facies  would  grow  stern  and  grim — they 
were  evidently  dreaming  of  war,  and  living  over  again  those  terrible  battles 
in  which  they  had  so  recently  participated;  some  groaned  over  their  wounds, 
and  cursed  the  rebels  vigorously;  others  grew  sad,  and  would  talk  in  flic  most 
pathetic  tones,  as  if  the  pain  borne  so  silently  through  the  day  revenged  itself 
now  by  betraying  what  the  man's  pride  concealed  so  well  while  awake. 

Often  the  roughest  grew  young  and  pleasant  When' sleep  smoothed  away  the 
hard  lines  from  the  brow,  letting  the  real  nature  assert  itself .  Many  times  I 
would  be  quite  disappointed,  for  the  faces  which  looked  merry  and  pleasing 
when  awake  would  suddenly  grow  dark  and  hideous,  as  if  communing  with 
some  dark  spirits  of  another  world. 

One  poor  fellow,  whose  brain  was  injured  more  than  his  body,  would  wear 
himself  out  more  in  an  hour  when  asleep  tlian  in  a  whole  day  when  aw^ke. 
■fiisl'imaigihat.Sn  Would  conlurc  up  tlic  wildest  fancies;  ^onc  niom&it  ^e  was 
ifehecring  ofi  his  men;  ttie  itexl  he'wj^  hiirrymg'^lhetri  back  agiiiniHhA  ciiunfcng 
the  dead  around  him,  while  an  incessant  stream  of  shouts;  whispered  warnings 
and  broken  lamentations  would  escape  from  l)is  lies.  .  ; 


\c 


</;. 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  tTNIOK  SOLDIER.     " t^V 

I  Ik 'an^e  aaiuainted  with  a  jT^oilAg  *iah  fftitf  Rhode  Island  in  one  of  the 
hospitals,  who  was  the  most  patjent  and  cheerful  person  it  has  beeo  my  lot  to 
pi^t  iyid(^  sych  cirsumstanc^/  ^  find  theJoUowing;  notice /witj^i  regard  to 

''J-c^^;9uthci;eA^^,he»"a4f  rough jmda^bi^  theni..  B^ut  I  had 

Ipft  a  praying  mother  at  home. ,  While  in  camp.at  Poolesvilie  I  heard  that  she 
was  dead.  After  that  her  image  was  never  out  of  my  thoughts.  It  seemed  as 
if  her  form  appeared  to  meas  in  a  mirTor,  and  ajiways  as  wrestling  for  her  way- 
ward son.  Go  where  I  might  I  felt  sls  if  I  saw  her  in  her  place  of  prayer,  kneel- 
ing.and  putting  up  her,  petitions  to  God,  and  not  even  the  roar  of  battle  could 
drown  the  soft  tones  of  her  voice."  .  _ 

He  was  at  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  and  wheii  it  ceased  sat  down  on  a  log,  ex- 
hausted, by  the  wayside,  and  then,  to  use  his  own  words,  he  "thought  over  the 
matter."  Heaps  of  dead  men  lay  on  every  side  of  him.  They  had  fallen,  but 
he  was  still  unharmed.  The  melting  words  of  his  mother's  prayer  came  back 
to  his  mind  with  new  power.  He  thought  of  his  own  condition,  and  of  her 
happy  home,  so  far  removed  from  the  strife  and  agony  of  war.  A  pious  soldier 
of  his  company  noticed  that  he  was  very  thoughtful,  and  inquired  the  reason. 
To  this  friend  he  opened  his  mind  freely,  and  told  him  how  he  felt.  They 
sought  occasion  for  pri^te  conference,  communed  together  and  prayed; 
strength  was  given  him  to  make  the  "last  resolve,"  and  the  soldier  who  had 
been  so  rough  and  bad  became  a  soldier  in  the  Army  of  Jesus.  The  sainted 
mother  had  not  prayed  in  vain.  A  battle  had  just  been  {ought,  a^  victory  won, 
which  was  spreading  joy  throughout  the  Ration;  butiiq;e,  (60,  was  a  triumph, 
a  different  triumph,  such  as  cause  tlie  migels  of  Giod  In  heaven  to  rejoice. 

Just  as  I  am.  without  oiie  piiea," 

. .  f  ,,;     V,  -•         But  thait  Thy  blo^d  was  shed  f<?r  Die,    ,  .^.,  ,.;-.\i  , 

..;„  .             '     And  tliat  Thou  bid'st  me  come  to  Thee, ,,  !'     '    ;,!  ,     j 

1        V  .                .0  Lamb  of  God!    I  come.  .;.       v.^  ^,  Jiu..  .;,  '!... 

:  Qne  day  while  emplo}'.ed  in  the  hospital  assisting  Nellie  in  some  new  arrange- 
ment for  the  amusement  of  the  men  I  received  a  letter  from  the  Captain  to  whom 
1  had  given  my  horse  for  the  use  of  hims^  and  three  companioru  cm  the  retreat 
from  before  Richmond.  He  and  his  friends  had  reached  the  James  River  in 
safety,  ai>d  had  been  so  fortunate  as  to  get  on  board  of  one  of  the  transports 
which  had  bpen  sent  for  th'e.wpimdcd,  £ina  were  now  OHnfbrtably  installed  in  a 
hoj^pital  in  Washington.    He  also  wrote  ,that  he  had  givm  my  horse  in  charge 

(rf  one  ef  the  Quartermasters  of  Gen.  G 's  brigade,  a  piece  of  information 

which  \  wa^  exceedingly  glad  to  hear;  for  my  colt  was  well-nigh  spoiled  on  the 
reke&t,  and  if  it  had  not  been,  was  not  fit  to  ride  much,  or  indeed  at  all,  to.  do  it 
justice,  f(?f  it  proved  lo  be  riot  quite  two  years  old, 

,But  uji^B.fin^g  th^  (^uarlpriiias^cr  I  wjis  jMUtoly^mfprnjed  .^lai  he  had 
b^ght  agdpaidjfpr  the.^or^ft  and.of  ^pur^  I  coi^  i^t  h^v^it.    I  ^d  ooj^^izig. 


IJ.-. 

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IW  KUESE  AND  SPY. 

but  went  to  Gen.  M ^'s  Heulquarters,  stated  the  case,  and  procured  an  order 

^f  ][ucj^  jbffoiujjht  .j^e||«^^^^^  dgu^e^jj^ck  tip,^^^Aiiiji  n^  tl^pk?  tg^  this  Qjiai^tpr- 

: .  ^vpil^hpasa§!^p-w^,  apd  ev«r;?tl}in({,£ei]g«^9ed.<ii4i^  atHMTi;^n'g  Lf^djfig 

rcanip life,, and  were.anxious  for^otiier  brush witxi  the  eneiny.  The  vigileoit 
eye  of  McClqllan  noted  the  impatience  of  the  meii,  and  he.  daily  kept  urging  the 
necessity  (rf  reinforcem«its,  and  protested  against  leaving  the  Peninsula,  as 
eireat,  ia  his  opinion,  would  pr^ve  disastrous  both  to.  the  army  and  the  cause. 
Our  c(«nmander's  patience  was  wdl  nigh  exhausted,  as  the  fc^owing  brirf 
dispatch  of  July  30  indicates:  ,  » 

"I  h(^  that  it  may  soon  be  decided  what  is  to  be  done  by  this  army,  and  that 
the  decision  may  be  to  rdniorce  it  at  once.  We  are  losing  much  valuable  time, 
and  that  at  a  raonieiit  when  mcf  gy  and  decision  are  sadly  needed." 

About  this  time  an  ordw  came  from  Washington  for  all  the  sick  to  be  siait 
away,  without  giving  any  definite  information  with  regard  to  the  intended 
movements  of  the  army. 
Aug.  14  ordo^  came  for  the  army  to  evacuate  Harrison's  Landing.    None 

.knew  whither  they  were  going,  but  notwithstanding  every  pains  was  taken- to 
conceal  the  destination  from  the  troops,  it  was  evident  that  we  were  retreating; 
tat  ^  QDU^Qus  fact  that  we  tiuue^  our  back^  toward  Richmond  was  very 

"ye  pf  a  re^ea^j  JJTli^  h|d  a  defnorjeJi?ing  effect^  lapon  :^e  troo^  for 

^^1  o^fjaent^y^^xpected  to.  aoviujtce  UTOn  |li(^mbrid  and  avfflrfge  the 
^..^^.(^. their  fallien  comrades,  ^ose  graves  dott^  so  many  hulsides'on  {he 
FeniiLsiua,  and  whose  remams  would.now  be  desecrated  by  .rebel  handis..,    The 

. men  were  deeply  moved;  some  wept  like  chudr^i,,  others  swore  uke.deiuons, 

.  ana  aUpvtopl(  in -the  general  dis^tisf  action  of  the  inovement.  .      ... 

<- <m  the  moriung  of  the  loth  the  whole  army  was  en  route  for  parts  unknown. 
Dw  destination^ proved  to, hi  Newport  News — a  march  of  nearly  70  miles.  It 
was^i]|rell>fQ[r  us  we,did^not  know'.it  then,  or. probably  there  would  have  been 
more  swearing  and  liess  weeping  among  the  soldiers. 

-So  (ar  as  I  was  persdhally  concerned',  Ihad  a  very  pleasant  time  during  that 
march.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  B ,  Dr.  E — — ,  .Nellie  and  myself  made  up  a  sn^all 

;  party,  independent  (rf  military  discipline,  and  rode  fasj  orslow.  just  as  it  suited 
our  fancy,  called  at  the  farmhouses,  and  had  a  goodf  time  generally. J  NelUe 
rode  my  confiscated  colt,  and  prohoujjced'it  a  perfect  gem.  -D/.  E-7--  play- 
fully sidd  that  he  suppidised  she  adiinired  it  because  it  was'a  rebel,  audi  su£' 
gested  that  he  too  must  be  a  rebel,  from  tilie  same  premises, 

Time  passed  away  pleasantly  until  we  drew  near  to  Yorktown,  wheire  apid 
maDQodes  interrupted  the  animated  conversation.  5fellie  was  near  her  former 
home,  with  all  its  pleasant  and  sad  associiations.  We  visited  tl^~e grave  of  Lieut. 
V-^:    Icould 

.Ha  had  been  sav  - 


\     1 ' 

I  N 

I: 


.jis        i  - 


■■'•^■€t?^>■rr^^■■■:-   :'  :'^/'.-'f:.''  :■    '^^: 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       tftJ 

remained  some  time  there,  some  of  the  party  gathering  the  riirli,  rijiiB  frtiit 
which  hung  in  abundance  from  the  peach  trees  around  lis.  Before  le&vinf , 
D^^  all  bowed  around  thegrave  ol  our  fridid.  Chajptaan  B-^^^-"  offefWup  an 
ardent  prayer  that  we  might  all  be  faithfu),  and  follov  th«  exaia'fk'Qt  our 
departed  loved  ope,  as  he  had  followed  Christ,  and  meet  him  whwe  war  and 
strife  would  be  heard  no  more.  ,  -i      • 

■     5  know  thou  art  gone  to  a  diine  of  light, 
/  ■  ■       •     To  a  world  of  joy  and  love,        . 

Bey<Hid  the  reach  of  the  sunbeam's  flignt,    ~  '- 

-'  •>      •  In  the  shadowle^  above.  ••  «'-   '-'  -  -  •'    * 

.    *             •        And  I  will  rejoice  in  thy  smiles  again,  ?v  " 

>                             And  hap' ly  thy  whisper: hear;  '    ' '■         ' 

Dispelling  ihe  gkxun  ol  sorrow  and  pain,  ■'^            '■'' 

•'  •  ■■'     Whoi  the  twilight  (rfsjeftth  is  near.    .  •          /' 

We  stopped  at  a  farmhouse  one  evening  during  our  march,  aad  encag^kl 
lodgings  for  the  night.  The  house  was  very  large,  and  afforded  tktHfia  |m> 
commodations.  It  was  the  first  one  on  the  PeninteiU  at  whicK  MJad'Sbid  a 
strong,  lieallhy-lob  king  mail  attending  to  his  fahn  as  if  th^e  watilio^uel^-tittttg 
as  war  in  the  land.  The  lady  of  the  hous^  wits  ail' active,  buai^(iiSialk<^  4io^of 
VKomaUi  and  Wemt  to  work  ta'm^e  us  camtoitiiAii.  '■  But  tii^re  ^k^  e^dfeiir^^ 
someflting  in  or  about  that -house  which  was  itot' just  rijj^lii^aal^'.lii/el^:^ 
been  there  Idiig  when  I  detected  suspicious  niotemaiti^  Mid  drevf^thfc^  a^MEJtbSo 
of  Dr.  E— —  to  the  fact.  The  man  secaned  very  undasj^  ahd  lr^t£i!^'*'g6i^ 
from  one  rooin  to  ahc^er,  shifting  the '4oord4ri:ryi:ar^uHy«b^iM^vl4^ 
ing  parcels  upstairs  ina  half -frightened  "wj^yj  yhibh  iricteaied  <>#  afcd^plffliilf^  ^ 

I  proposed  to  our  little  party  that  they  ^uld  retttam-n^le  I  rode  h^Acl^te^libc 
army  for  a  detachment  of  the  P^ovost-guanL '  -My  proposal  was  agrMd  to^'ahd 
I  stdrted  back  in  the  direction  of  the  main  eolvtmh. :      ^  r       rf ,-  r  "*  y  \  . 

The  family  seemed  fdarmod,  and  i^e^l  &  great  many,  quwtkms.eoii^^ 
B}y.  daparturet  to  which  I  re^ed:  *I  iftm  onlV'gOMic'a'aliO'rt  d^y^^ 
probably  be  back  by  the  time  supper  is  ready."      •■^i.i      '"<"  :'  :*  v':*  •  -iVi   / 
-  Lm&de  all  haste  af ttf  I  d>s«4)peaf fld  from  view  of  &'e  house,'aQd  in' an  hour 
Was  on  my  way  badcag^n,  havinjg:  succeeded  in  finding  the  I^voat^Marih^ 
and  getting  a  Corporal  and'six  men  to  go  with  me.  -  They'aitc|r^'^  hdlAe 
WkUy  and  told  theinmates^that'tb«y|uMl  beaaii^9(9>cd'th*tth^r^^^ 
concealed  in  the  house,  and  they  had  come  for  the  purpose  of  searcluiigi^it; 
adding;  ^at  'they  would  not  disturb  anytiuitjt,^  tf  their^suspicions  were  un- 
^ founded/  •  ■  '  .  .  .^   ■,.     ;  .^  ;  .■      '  .\. ,  •  .'-/■;■         '     '. 

The  lady  said  that  she  had  some  sk^  p«s(»^ 

ihem  (disturbed,  'assunntith^:that:Iiiff*fan^  wwe-ah  tinioBists  Md-'i^t^ 

would  nothvbor-aay/rebds.whatever..    Butidl.hte^^'ex<AsesaiUt^pr«l«i>i»DS 
did  not  detff  the  guard  from  accomplishing  their  (Ajeck 


•■V;- 


./ 


i  v_  I  t  3-;t  -r 


mi    \'----'^      ^   kuksi:  AND  Ip^ 

So  marching  upstairs,  th«r  sw<|hed  eyj^ry jwjj.. .  to  pne  jc^  ^.were  t<^^ . 
four  re]^l  abldiers,  or  jEuerrilus,  ijl  of  w^ioi]ip/etcg^^(Ba^|e^3^^  E^.  E^-r^. 
was  called  to  examine  the  p^tientB,'  an^  psrpn<^un(^  ^^  as  w|U  A^  vas^  J^l 
anoiher'.roooi  were  two  ojfecers;  fbey  mjade,Qo  fOECji^.at  all,  •but.sald  that  ffaiey . 
were  the  landlord'^  sons;  had  beoi  In  the  rebel  service,  and  wae  now  home  o|i^ 
furlough.  They  said  they  had  bem  home  ever  since  Stuart's'  cavalry  raid  at. 
White  House,  and  were  waiting  for  another  such  dash  in  order  to  get  back  again. 

The  Prpvost-guard  marched  them  all  bac^  to  HeadqvMrtefs,  which  was  "in 
the  saddle,"  imd  our  little  party  thought  proper  to  take  shelter  that  night.under 
the  wing  of  the  main  column,  instead  of  at  a  fannhouse  where  we  were  not  sure 
but  what  our  lives  would  pay  for  that  piece  of  informatics  givm,  before  mom* 
ing. 

The  army  marched  on  until  it  reached  the  transports.  .Some  embarked ^at 
Yorktown,  some  at  Newport  News,  and  others  at  Fortress  Monroe.  The  troo^js 
were  literally  worn  out  and  discouraged,  caring  Init  little  where  they  wait  or 
what  tbey  did.  They  were  huddled  on  board  of  transports,  and  were  landed 
at  Aquia  Creek. 

Gen.  McClellan  finding  his  army,  as  he  had  anticipated,  much  deiuressed  <i|id 
discouraged  in  consequence  of  the  retreat  from  the  Peninsula,  sent  the  follow* 
ing,  appeal  to  GoViHalleck:  , 

''flense  say  a  kind  word  to  my  iaroiy  that  I  dim  it^tetA  to  them  in^efteral 
orders,  iniregjardtoitheir  coBduot  at  Yorktowni  WiUiamsburg,  West  Punnl^ 
Hwov^  Cpui^opse,  aQd  m  the  GhJckahorotny,  as  well  as  iia  r^gaxi  to  thi» 
Seven  DaKS,  and^the^  recent  retreat  No  onetfaaa  ever  said  anytiihig  io  ekeifr 
them  but  myself.  Say  nothing  about  me;  merely  give  my.  men  and  officers 
credit  for  what  they  have  d(me.    They  deserve  it.* 

The  ^uay  oi  ti^e  Potoipwc  had  perfqnned  tm  epormous  «no]i^lt «!  Jabfv  Upi 
maifini^  intreiacbi|iia»ts,  c(]U3tructiug  roads,  l»ridgesr  etCp,  ipd  did^it  witl;  tl^ 
most  gratilyinc  cheerfulness  and  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  service.  Dur- 
ing ^e  mtire  campaign  they  had  fought  10  severely-ccmtested  battles,  and  had 
beaten  the  enemy  on  every  occasion,  showing  the  most  detamined  Ivavery 
and  invincible  qualities  it  was  possible  for  an  army  to  exhibit.  They  had  sub- 
mitted to  exposure,  sickness  and  death,  without  a  murmur,  and  they  deserved 
the  thanks  of  tiie  Government  and  the  people  for  their  services. 

On  arriving  at  Aquia  Creek  we  found  ourselves  the  victims  of  another  Ttiian 
storm.  Five  of  us  went  on  board  of  a  little  steam-tug,  and  thus  esci^ied  • 
severe  drenching  during  the  night,  for  we  had  not  yet  seen  our  tents.  Wheo 
morning  came  we  were  treated  to  breakfast,  and  the  Captain  was  very  kind 
indeed. 

We  were  just  congratulating  ourselves  on  our  good  fortune,  when  we  dis- 
covered, th^t  all  our  jittli^  valuable^,  r^lic^  w^h  wp  h^  brouC^^ipin(th«i 
Poiinsula,  ^U|t  ai:;raoga:|[ieiits,  and  even  our  Bibl^,  ijad  ibe^n  stolep  Whil^  wcu 
were  asie^^    |fellie  amd  I  wpe  jndulgipg.  |n  soipf  imcharitable  rema^  oobv 
cenung  those  persons  upon  whose  Insiatality  we  bad  fared  sumptuouady  and 


-^,_.,.,d^     -'.-•■■.  i 


ADVEHTURES  OP  4.  WOlto  I^  A  XJNION  SOLDIER.       1^^ 

slept  comfortably,  and  who  had  so  geprtously  refused  to  take  any  remune»- 
ti<^  vA  the  shape  of  spre^ib^u;!^  but  who  had  helped  themsdves' to  things  more  ^ 
precidC^  io  us  tlian'mohey^  when  good  C^a{^aiii  B- — -  entered  just  m  iwie  ip  *. 
ceftch  the'md^  ti]i-(JhriJStiaiilike  sentoice  we  h^  uiterfd,  and  forth^th  gA^e^ 
us'a  lect^ire  upoh  ti^Keinousfsih  of  ingratitude.    Wlien  he  had  concluded, 
instead  of  saying  amen,  I  said:  "From  such  hospitality  in  future,  good  I/>rd 
deliver  us."  . 

We  did  not  remain  long  at  Aquia  Creek,  but  were  ordered  to  embark  immedi- 
ately for  Alexandria,  Va.  When  we  arrived  there.  Pope's  army  was  in  danger 
of  annihilation;  and,  ctmseqqently,  as  fast  as  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  arrived, 
it  was  ordered  to  Pope's  assistance;  one  portion  in  one  direction,  and  anoth^  in 
another  direction,  until  it  was  cut  up  into  sections,  and  Gen.  McClellan  was 
left  at  Washington,  without  an  army  or  anything  to  command  excq>t  his 
stafL     ■    ■.    .  '   '     ■  ■  ,:.       .  ,,. 


CK AFTER  XX. 


Pope's  Army— A  General's  Bequest— Again  a  Gmfa-aband— Enierin|f  ttfe  ^' 
Bebd  lines  as  a  Spy^-My  Esoape  Io  the  Federal  linesMn  Peril-=^K6ardy 
Kill«id-*CrawI|ng 'Through  the  .Woods— BuriSl  rf  a  Picket— LoAing  for-a  ^ 
Generd^Mr.  IJegative-^McClellani  and  Pop*— the  Battle  «f  Antietam-^  ' 
Touehing  Death-Scen»-»An  Interestisqg  Fatitnt— B^al  bi  a^emtiA  S6l-  "■' 
dieri.  ..  .■.    .;..   v-    •    .:■    ^^^    '     >    <^    i.'    ■    ■•'•     ■"■     ■  ''^'^    ''    '''  ■' 

Imiirediately  aft^arrivihg  at  AlexahdHa,  t  started  for  t^e  b&ttlBfi«ld,  irhpre . 
a  portion  of  MiGlellan's army  hadigone  id  rdiiforce Pdpe.  E^^jiJto^  srthmid  ^ 
to  be  m  a  confused  state.  Th^e  was  no  definite  information  with  Vegard  to  th« 
force  (A  the  enemy  in'that  direction,  and  it  seemed  impossible  to  obtain  any  from 
reliable  sources.  McClellwi's  troops  were  ordo-ed  to  Uie  front,  under  new  com- 
muiders,  just  as  they  came  of!  the  transports  in  which  they  arrived  from  the 
Peninsula,  without  any  rest,  or  a  propn:  supply  (rf  clothing,  shoes,  or  blankets; 
all  of  which  they  much  needed,  after  such  a  marcih  as  they  had  just  acctMn- 
plished.    •  ■     ■     ■      -^y    -r^---- ''--■■■  :<.p-v--^       '■'-' 'X-'y -■'.':]  ^- 

While  the  battle  raged  and  the  roar  of  caimon  was  reverberat^g  over  the 
National  Capital,  McClellan  sent  the  followmg  request  to  Gen.  Halleck: 

*I  can  not  express  to  you  the  pain  and  mortification  I  have  experioiced  to-day, 
in  listming  to  the  distant  firing  of  my  men.    As  I  can  be  cf  no  further  use  here, 
I  respectfully  ask  that,' if  there  is  a  probalnlity  of  the  cohffict  b^g  reaefwed  tb- 
mdnbw.lmily^  p^rnfittett  toigoV)  the  ^bene  bfbat^e  ^th  mf  st^,  Wely'jo  ; 
befwifc  iisiy  dwii'mfli,  if  ndihirq;  B^orc^.    iTbty  w^ll  ighj  ndhe  f^e  |rorae  %  riiy  ' 
bdn^withibem.  If  it  is'not  d<^id  tiestHo  intriiist'mti^wiih  the  (bm&add  '' 

■-■S   •   'f.-    ■!■      'X'  <    "V      >■     •  J-.     ■('    -^      >     A    ■  »>     ■  '-  *■      4      *•'        ■■■*■'     '--• 


"V---. 


,^,«, 


135-  :^M     )     y       NtFRSE   AND   S^Y.       :      ■    ^  * 

•vMi  ef  ray  OwTt  army,  T  simply  Ask  to  be  pcrraittdd  to  share  thdr  fate  (m  Iho 
field  of  battle."  I  '  ^     ^     .     ^ 

The  troops  under  Pope  were  several  days  in  Ihe  vicinity  of  the  Sh<»naMdo&h  ■ 
Valliey,  with  no  rations  but  those  they  found  in  the  fields,  such  as  fruit,  greert 
com,  and  vegetables.    They  ctrteinly  were  in  a  poor  condition  to  fight,  and 
there  was  e^^dently  a  lack  of  that  cheerful,  enthusiastic  ^irit  which   had 
characterized  them  on  the  Peninsula. 

I  was  ordered  by  Gen.  H to  pess  the  rebel  lines,  and  return  as  soon  as 

possible.  I  took  the  train  at  Warren  ton  Junction,  went  to  Washington,  pro^ 
cured  a  disguise— that  of  a  female  contraband,  end  returned  the  seme  night.  I 
passed  through  the  enemy's  lines  in  company  with  nine  contrabands,  men,  ' 
wdnien,  and  chitdrcny  who  preferred  to  live  in  bandage  with  their  friends,  rather- 
than  to  be  free  without  them.  I  hiad  no  difficulty  whatever  in  getting  along,  for 
I,  with  several  othefs,  was  ordered  to  Headquarters  to  cook  rations  enough,  the 
rebels  said,  to  last  them  until  they  re&6h'ed  Waishington. 

The  officers  generally  talked  in  low  tones,  butVould  sometimes  become 
excited,  forget  that  there  were  darkies  around,^  and  would  speak  their  minds 
freely.  When  I  had  been  there'a  few  hours,  I  had  obtained  the  very  information 
wli^ich  1  had. been  sent  for. .  I. had  heard  the  plan  .of  the  mqrrow  discussed,  the 
number  of  troops  at  several  important  points,  and  the  number  expected  to  arrive ' 
during  the  night;  and-this,  too,  from  the  lips  of  the  Commanding  General  and. 
his  ^afl.  '  , 

The  rebel  lines  were  guarded  so  strongly  and  so  faithfully,  that  I  did  not  dare 
to'return  ih{n  nighty  but  waited  anxiously  for  the  dawn'of  the  morrow. 

Early  on  the  following  morning,  while  assisting  the  cook  to  carry  in  break- 
fast, I  remQTed  a  coot  from  a  can\p-stool  which  stood  in  my  way,  and  a  number 
of  pa|)ers  fell  from  its  pockets,  which  I  instantly  transferred  to  my  own.  I  then  < 
hurriied  my  arratigem^itsln  the  tent,  lest  the  doctunents  should  be  missed  be^ 
fore  I  could  make  my  escape.  Breakfast  was  cmnounced,  and  I  suddenly  dis- 
appeared. 

Going  toward  the  picket-line  nearest  the  Federals,  and  seeing  an  old  house 
in  the  dbtance,  I  went  and  hid  myself  in  the  cellar.  Soon,  firing  commenced 
in  diCFerent  directions,  and  grew  hotter  and  hotter,  until  the  shot  and  shell  began  ^ 
to  shake  the  old  house  in  which  I  had  taken  refuge,  and  by  and  by  it  came 
tumbling  down  around  me.  A  part  of  the  floor  was  broken  down,  but  still  I 
ronained  unharmed,  and  did  not  attempt  to  leave  the  ruins.  I  remembered  ; 
that  good  old  Elijah  remained  in  the  cave  during  the  tempest,  the  earthquake 
and  the  fire,  and  afterward  came  the  still  small  voice.  So  I  waited  patiently 
for  the  still  small  ydce,  and  felt  secure;  knowing  that  the  Lord  was  a  surd 
refuge,  and  could  protect  me  tho'e  as  well  as  in  a  drawing-room  in  the  quiet 
city.  >.    y.     ;     i  '      :  ■  ■        '  ■! 

,  It  was  not  long  before  deliverance  came,  and  the  rebels  'were  obliged  to  fall  ■ 
back  and'takeanew  positimi.  '  When  the, firing  ceeised,  I  was  safely  withih  the 
Federal  lines.    I  went  unmedlately  tp  Headquarters,  and  reported  mysdf  w 


'm'i 


m:t 


m 


mt 


m^. 


»3  ».?:•< 


'^k& 


W^'f 


S3S--i 


Mm^ 


m 


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^4'?fr« 


^'U 


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rj 


?      I  -^^^''^VV^"- 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMA^  AS^A  «J?WON  SOLDIEE.       127^;; 

la-v^ilig  ju«.t.*et\toied  jfjQm<«eb«Witmif^a^ifc  Sfhnfi  r4l^^Wiof  nsy  .expBdfliWft;«ddv  •: 
elivered  the  documents  which  I  had  brought  from  rebel  headquartet8»H.'Tbe9Kv 
raved ,ta.b9v«rdtsrs  intended  lot  iheidiQgteti^€9rfs^€ommpsxde'E$ii:m^  IwrtiRKr 
Itions  how  and  when  to  m6\e,  so  as  to  act  in  cdncert  with  theentire  pIa|l(of-'tlM^'' 
m<K^oWj.■iagld  insure  thecaptureof  Washington,  .    y  ,;^      ..V 

Diiiring^hoise  barttles  and  skirmishes  of  Pope's  memorable  campi^gn,  I  Tisted  -^ 
the  rebel  Generals  three  times  at  their  own  campfires,  within  a  peddd  bf  lOdays,:- 
and-came  away  with^aluable.information,  unsuspected  and  unmolested. 

Whilftlhe-second  battle  of  Bull  Rua  was  in  progress,  I  was  a  part  of  the  time  ~- 
with  the;  Confederates,  and  then  back  again  to  the  Federals,  havii^.made  my  - 
esca,pe  while  the  ba4,tle  raged  most  fiercely  by  concealing  mys*lf  i|i  a  ravine,.'-^ 
and  watching,  until,  the  rebels  charged  upon  a  battery.  While  thfly  were  • 
engag,ed;"io  ahand-to-hand  fight  I  escaped  undbserved  by  friend  or  foe. 

The  la^  of;  these  visits  was  made  the  night  before  the  battle  of  Chantflly,  in  - 
which  the  brave  Kearny  was  killed.    I  was  within  a  few  rods  of  him  when  he  • 
fell,  and  was  in  the  act  of  returning  to  the  Union  camp  under  cover  of  the  ex- 
trenaie  darkness  of  that  never-to-be-forgotten  nighC   I  saw  him  jide.upito  tiie. 
line,  but  supposed  him  to  be  a  rebel  officer  until  l^e  pickets  fired  at  him«  and  -' 
even- Ahen  t  thought  they  had  fired  a*  me,  until  I  saw.  hun  fall  from  his  hMse,'. . 
and  heard  their  >exQlaniations.  of  joy  whoi  theyxlispov^redwho  hcwas;  lor^;: 
one-armed  Qen<^aJ  was  known  throughout, both  armies :foriiisrbr*vei|y  mvi'j'" 
brilliant  career,  and  the  name  of  Kearny  had  become  a  word  of  toror  lo  %ou- 
rebels  -o,  in    '  ■..■■U    .n.^r   -s     /  ■  ii.    ;:,  O'  v  -     |vsi'-,-^    ■■9.- -se  "L  'i?  ■  ^i^f- ^ 

When  I  learned -who  was  their*  victim,  1 4'egcetied  thatiit  )ia4iB<^  l^cni -»«% 
inst^  of  hipi^^hom  ihey  he^  tiiscoveBed  «n(||)shf>t<  .Tl.,wouki  ^tiUt^ly  {wre 
died  4t^jsa^suck  a-General-io  the  Union  army.  -jB^ihe/wati  taka:^  winlel,  pibOT.«' 
insigiiificant  creature,  was  lefi;  bu4lefimtk  aheart^tdmukaftlul^  deTD|ed  :^ 
to  th^  Union  cdUse  as  Kearny's  was;  (»ily  ladciog  the  abiltiy  to  aeconp)^h;r' 
the  same  results.  ,  • 

I  lost  no  time  in  making  good  my  ^cape  while  the  attention  of  the  pickets.  ' 
wece.dr^wn  in  another  direction.    When  I  came  to  our  lines,  I  found-.it -^niost 
as  difficult  to  get  through  as  I  had  found  ft  on  the  other  side.  >  The-night  was 
SO'  d^rk  I  could  not  make  any  sign  by  which  the  pickets  could  recognize  me, 
and  ^  was.  in  the  depths  of  the  forest,  where  the  rustling  of  the  leaves  «ndUie 
craclj[lipg  of  dry  branches  under  my  feet  betrayed  my  footsteps  as  I  went  akmg.  .• 
However,  af  teir  crawling  up  pretty  close  to  the  line,  and  getting  behind  a  tree  to  > 
screen  mefrom  the  bullets,  if  they  should  fire,  I  managed- to  make  myself  under-r 
stood.  •  Xhe  picket  said,  "All  r^ht,"  and  I  passed  through  in  safety. 

Coming  within  the  lines,  1  saw  a  group  of  men  kneeling  on  the  ground  digging . . 
a  gc^ve  with  the.it).ba^on$ts,,  wit^  the  leasipossij^ldncnse;  fqrthe  i»ckot-liBes'; 
were  within  half  musket  shot  of  each  other.    One  of  their  comrades  had  beeit;! 
killed,  f^id  ^bes  w«re.  thus  preparmg  hi^  k^t  ijBstkig'i^ace.  .9.    vj    :    :-:i  .>?    (\ 

1,    -^  •   -v  ..    They  buriea  him' darkly  at  dead  of  lughL         \      ' '  .- 

*  ^^^^  ^^Ktiu^Wit^^ei^ayo^tM^''  '■''-■  ^  ''""^  ^*^^*" 


'  f  •■  ■i--?:-^-*  ^r  f^f-V^'^' 


.•*.-yv»*f^l*r 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMA^  AS-jAflNION  SOIJJIEE.       127 

delivered  the  documents  which  I  hsA  brought  from  rebel  headquartef&.    Hkst 
praved.lOcb^rQrders  intended  ior  :the.'dif[eretH'e9ips»€omm^dei$,(^.i|rii^.ilHrtiacr 
tioiur  how  and  when  to  m6ve,  so  as  to  act  in  concert  with  the.entire.|da|iiof -tiM^ 
mqr^ow^  .and  insure  the  capture  of  Wekshington. 

During  4hQse  battles  and  skirmishes  of  Pope's  memorable  campaig^n,  I.Tisited 
the  rebel  Generals  three  times  at  their  own  campfires,  within  a  peridd  i)f  10  days, 
and.'Came  away  with^aluable.information,  unsuspected  and  unmolested.     -  ^' 

Whilerthe-second^battle  of  Bull  Run  was  in  progress,  I  was  tt  partof  th«)trae 
with  th&Confeder^ktes^  and  then  beu;k.  again  to  the  Federals,  having,  made  my. 
escap^-wjbile  the  battle  raged  most  fiercely  by  concealing  mysdf  ijk  a  ravine^ 
and  watching,  until  the  rebels  diarged  upon  a  battoyi     While:  (hoy  were 
engagedri]}  ahand-fb-hand  fight  I  escaped  imobserved  by  friend  or  foe. 

The  la$jtot  theses  visits,  was  made  the  night  before  the  battle  of  Chaatmy,.in 
which  the  brave  Kearny  w^  killed.  I  was  within  a.few  rods  of  him  when  he 
fell,,and  was  in  the  act  of  returning  to  the  Union  ccunp  under  cover  oC  the  ez- 
treodt?.  darkness  of  that  never-to-be-forgotten  nightT  I  saw  him  jride^upi  tO'the. 
line,  but  supposed  him  to  be  a  rebel  officer  until  the  pickets  fired,  at  bxin,  OQd 
evenr^then  li thought  they  had  fired  .at  me,  until  I  saw.  him  fall  fr^m!  his  horse,' 
and  heard,  their>exQlanfations.-of  joy  when  tbeyidispoveredvwhe  Im-wio;  I(M^4m' 
one-armed  Oen<^al-was;knowB  throughout,  both  armies  ior  Jiisrlnrsvei^  fmi.' 
brilliant  career,  and  the  name  of  Kearny  had  become  a  w<x-d  of  tnror.Ho  ttie 
rebels 

^When  I  le^med.-whb  was  their<viotim,.l4regxetted  tfiatiit  ^m^j not .hmta\,:pyff 
msif^jtV^faimhomihef  he^dHscoveMd  Mic^shoU  -Tl^would  Ttillxliglf  ]^t^ 
died i>JaK<^5uc]ia^aitral-to the Unioti army.  •  iBiithe/waft taken) wfailed^pbor 
insignificant  creature,  wa»  left;  but  left  witl  a  heartandsotd  asiltdl^  deiio|ed 
to  thfc  Uni(m  <^il^  as^Keamy's^was;  only  lacking  the  ability  lo'.aeocHnpiish. 
the  same  results. 

I  lost  no  time  in  making  good  my  escape  while  the  attention  of  the  pi^ets. 
wec«.dr^wn  in  another  direction.  When  I  came  to  our  lines,  I  fouiid-.it -almost 
as  difficult  to  get  through  as  I  had  found  It  on  the  other  ade. .  Tbe-night  was 
so-d^k  I  could  not  make  any  sign  by  which  the  pickets  could  recognise  me, 
and  ^  was.  in  the  depths  of  the  forest,  where  this  rustling  of  the  leaves  «nd  the 
craclj;li|ig  of  dry  branches  under  my  feet  betrayed  my  footsteps  as  I  went  akmg. 
Howeyer,  af  t^  crawling  up  pretty  close  to  the  line,  and  getting  behind  a  tree  to 
screen  me-f  rom  the  bullets,  if  they  should  fire,  I  managed-to  make  myself  under^ 
stood. '  ...Xhe  picket  said,  "All  right,"  and  I  passed  through  in  safety. 

Coming  within  the  lines,  I  saw  a  group  of  mea  kneeling  on  the  ground  digging 
a  gruye  snth  Uie;ir>.ba3f(m«Ls„.wit^  t^e  least.  pos^leoMse;  fq^tbe-jMcket-IiBflB' 
were  within  half  musket  shot  of  each  other.  One  of  thor  comrades  had  beeir, 
killev(,  «nd  ^he-j  w«re.thqs  preparing  hie  last  rjesttng^^ace. 

They  buried  him'  darklv  at  de^d  of  nighl 


The  tUrf  with  their  bayonets  turmivt. 


( 


A 


"5        »!■•-. 


123  .  NURSE   AND   SPY.  i     v  .     '     h 

But  there  were  no  "struggling  moonbeams"  or  glimmering  stars  to  shpd  a  jajr 
of  light  ui)on  the  midnight  gloom  of  that  solitary  funerals-naught  9a ve  the 
rind  flashes  of  lurid  flaine  .vhicli  the  lijghthittg  cast  upon  the  sad  scene,  light- 
ing .up  for  a  moment  the  Surrounding  forest,  and  then  dyin^  away,  leaving  the 
darkness  more  intolerable. 

We  may  well  say  of  such  as  die  at  their  post:  ■        ] 

S'ftreet  be  the  death  of  thoSe 

Who  for  their  country  die;  * 

Sleep  OH  her  bosom  for  repose. 

And  triumph  where  they  lie.  ■' 

After  reaching  Headquarter^and  donning  another  costume,  I  was  dis- 
patched to  Washington  with  ofiocial  documents  to  McClellan,  who  was  now  in 
command  of  the  defenses  of  the  Capital,  and  had  control  of  all  the  troops  who 
came  streaming  in  from  the  disastrpus  battlefield.  I  arrived  in  the  city  just  as 
the  morning  light  was  breaking,  drenched  from  head  to  foot,  and  looking  as  if 
mud  was  my  native  element. 

Making  my  way  to  where  I  supposed  Headquarters  to  be,  I  saw  an  important- 
looking  individual  nearby,  whom  I  addressed,  and  inquired  if  he  could  tell  me 
where  Gen.  McClellan  was  to  be  found?  "No,  I  can  not."  Could  he  tell  me 
when  he  was  expect^  at  Headquarters?  "No."  Was  there  any  person  there 
of  whom  I  could  inquire?  "Not  a  person."  Did  he  know  of  any  place  where  the 
necessary  information  could  be  obtain^?  "Not  a  place."  Could  he  make  finy 
suggestion,  or  throw  the  least  ray  of  light  upon  the  subject,  which  might  lead 
to  the  whereabouts  of  the  General?    "Not  the  slightest." 

Turning  away  in  disgust,  I  said  to  the  man,  "Well,  good-by,  M-u  Negative. 
I  hope  the  effort  which  ybu  have  made  to  assist  me  will  not  injure  you  mentally 
or  physically^"  and  so  saying  I  rode  awaj*,  feeling  that  if  I  was  as  big  as.  he 
imagined  himself,  and  as  strong  as  he  was  indifferent,  I  would  give  him  a 
vigorous  shaking  before  leaving  him. 

I  went  next  to  Gen.  H 's  Headquarters.    No  one  Uiere  could  tell  me  any- 

tliing  more  definite  than  that  the  General  had  been  gone  all  night,  carr>ang  out 
Gen.  Halleck's  orders  and  making  the  best  possible  disposition  of  the  troops  as 
fast  as  they  came  in,  for  the  whole  army  was  now  in  full  retreat.  After  two 
hours'  search  I  found  him,  delivered  the  dispatches,  and  returned  to  Wash- 
ington, where  I  remained  until  the  next  day,  being  completely  tired  out,  not 
having  had  a  night's  sleep  for  five  nights  previous. 

On  the  1st  of  September,  Gen.  McClellan  had  an  interview  with  the  President, 
who  requested  him  to  use  all  his  influence  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  to 
insure  its  hearty  co-operation  with  Gen.  Pope's  army.    In  compliance  with  the  ' 
President's  request  McClellan  sent  the  following  dispatch  to  Gen.  Porter:  . 

"I  ask  of  you,  for  my  sake,  that  of  the  country,  and  the  old  Army  pf  the  Poto- 
mac, that  you  and  all  my  friends  will  lend  the  fullest  and  iuost  cordiil  co*opcra- 


' »  7f 


Mm 


^&7? 


^■^ 


ADTIfJfTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIEE.       1S9 

-  ■-  -"•  '  :^'  ■  ■N.r:/:.  .  ^-  .y.:   ■ ,  . 

tion  to  Gep.  Pope  in  all  the  operations  now  going  on.»  The  destinies  of  our 
country,  the  honor  of  our  arms  are  at  stake,  and  all  depends  upon  the  cheerful 
co-operation  t>f  al}  in  the  field.  This  week  is  the  crisis  of  our  fate.  Say  the 
same  thing  to  my  friends  in  the  ^rmy  of  the  Potomac,  and  thai  the  last  request 
I  have  to  make  of  them  is  that,  for  their  country's  sake,  they  will  extmd  to  Gen. 
Pope  the  same  support  they  ever  have  to  me." 

Immediately  after  this  followed  the  brilliant  and  triumphant  victories  at 
South  Mount(Mn  Qnd  Antietam,  which  more  than  counterbalanced  thedis* 
astrous  campaign  of  Pope,  and  which  sent  a  thrill  of  joy  throughout  the  North. 

But  in  this,  as  in  most  other  instances  of  earthly  bliss,  the  joy  was  not  un- 
mixed with  sorrow — sorrow  for  the  noble  dead  and  wounded  upon  those  bloody 
fields.  At  the  memorable  battle  of  Antietam  there  were  nearly  200,000  men 
and  500  pieces  of  artillery  engaged  diuing  a  period  of  14  hours  without  cessa- 
tion; and  at  its  termination  2,700  of  the  enemy's  dead  lay  upon  the  field.  The 
report  of  the  Federal  General  in  command  says: 

"Thirteen  guns,  39  colors,  upwards  of  15,000  stand  of, small  arms,  and  more 
than  6,000  prisoners,  were  the  trophies  which  attest  the  success  of  our  army  in 
the  battles  of  Sout^  Mountainj  Crampton's  Gap,  and  Antietam.  Not  a  singl* 
gun  or  color  was  lost  by  our  army  during  these  battles." 

At  the  close  of  the  battle  I  stood  by  the  side  of  a  dying  officer  of  one  of  the 
Massachusetts  regiments,  who  had  passed  through  the  thickest  of  the  fight 
unhurt,  but  just  at  the  close  of  the  battle  he  wets  struck  by  a  randcHn  shot  which 
wounded  him  mortally.  As  he  lay  there,  conscious  of  approaching  death,  the 
musicians  of  the  regiment  happened  to  pass  by.  He  requested  that  they  might 
be  asked  to  play  the  "Star  Spangled  Banner." 

They  cheerfi^Uy  complied  with  the  dying  man's  request,  and  while  they  i 
played  the  grand  old  tune  his  countenance  beamed  with  joy.    He  inquired  tho  ■ 
result  of  the  battle,  and  <vhen  told  that  it  was  a  victory  he  exclaimed^  f  *  ^ . 

"Oh!  it  ia  glorious  to  die  for  one's  country  at  such  a  time  as  this!" 

Then  turning  to  the  Chaplain  he  spoke  in  the  most  affecting  manner;  he  said 
his  trust  was  in  the  Redeemer;  then  he  sent  loving  messages  tp  his  mother  and 
friends  at  home.    The  Chaplain  read  some  comforting  passages  of  Scripture  - 
and  {frayed  with  him,  and  soon  after  the  happy  spirit  passed  away. 

Some  one  very  appropriately  says:  "When  such  sacrifices  are  laid  upon  the 
altar  of  our  country,  we  have  surely  new  incwitives  to  uphold  the  cause  for    ' 
which  they  are  made,  and,  with  God's  help,  not  to  allow  the  treason  which  had  * 
slain  so  n^any  victims,  to.  accomplish  its  purpose.    And,  through  this  Woody 
baptism,  shall  not  our  Nation  be  purified  at  length,  and  fitted  to  act  a  nobler 
part  in  the  world's  history?"    God  grant  it.    ^-'^y-v'r:]'  : 

In  passing  among  the  wounded  after  they  had  been  carried  from  the  field, 
my  attention  waa  attracted  by  the  pale,  sweet  face  of  a  youthful  soldier  who 
■was  severely  woynd^  in  the  neck.  The  wound  still  bled  profusely,  and  the 
boy  was  growing  faint  froi^i  loss  of  blood.  I  stooped  down  apd  asked  him  if 
there  was  anything  he  would  like  to  have  done  for  him.  '  ■   ■     ' 

.    "  8    NP-      ■    ■  ..  ..-    .'-..  /■;:  ■^■,;  \^'*' 


'%^. 


* .  -•■ 


^;-^e 


130 


NUESE   AND   SPY. 


The  soldier  turned  h  pair  of  beautiful,  clear,  intelligent  eyes  upon  me  for  a 
moment  in  an  earnest  gaze,  and  then,  as  if  satisfied  with"  the  scrutiny,  said 
faintly:  * 

^  "Yes,  yes,  there  is  something  to  be  done,  an4  that^quiokly,  for  I  am  dying. 

Something  in  the  tone  and  voice  made  me  look  more  closely  at  the  face  of  the 
speaker,  and  that  look  satisfied  me  that  my  suspicion  was  well  founded.  I 
went  to  one  of  the  Surgeons  in  attendance,  and  requested  him  to  come  and  see 
my  patient.  He  did  so,  and  after  a  moment's  examination  of  the  wound  told 
me  that  nothing  could  be  done  whatever  to  save  him.  He  then  left  me,  and  I 
administered  a  little  brandy  and  water  to  strengthen  the'wounded  boy,  for  he 
evidently  wished  to  tell  me  something  that  was  on  his  mind  before  he  died. 

The  little  trembling  hand  beckoned  me  closer,  and  I  knelt  down  beside  him 
and  bent  my  head  until  it  touched  the  golden  locks  on  the  pale  brow  before  me. 
I  listened  with  breathless  attention  to  catch  every  sound  which  fell  from  those 
dying  lips,  the  substance  of  which  was  as  follows:  .  ' 

"I  can  trust  you,  and  will  tell  you  a  secret,  I  am  not  what  I  seem,  but  am- a 
female.  I  enlisted  from  the  purest  motives,  and  have  remained  undiscovered 
and  unsuspected.  I  have  neither  iather,  mother  nor  sister.  My  only  brother 
was  killed  to-day.  I  closed  his  eyes  about  an  hour  before  I  was  wounded.  I 
shall  soon  be  with  him.  I  am  a  jChristian,  and  have  maintained  the  Christian 
character  ever  since  I  entered  the  army.  I  have  performed  the  duties  of  a  sol- 
dier faithfully,  and  am  willing  to  die  for  the  cause  of  truth  and  freedom. 
"  "My  trust  is  in  God,  and  I  die  in  peace.  I  wish  you  to  bury  me  with  your  own 
hands,  that  none  maj'  know  after  my  death  that  I  am  other  than  my  appear- 
ance indicates."  Then  looking  at  me  again  in  that  earnest,  scrutinizing  ma^• 
ner,  she  said:  "I  know  I  can  trust  you^you  will  do  as  I  have  requested?" 

I  assured  her  that  she  might  place  implicit  confidence  in  me,  and  that  I  would 
do  as  she  had  desired  me.  Then  I  sought  out  a  Chaplai^i,  who  came  and 
prayed  with  her.  She  was  calm  and  peaceful.  I  remained  with  her  until  she 
died,  which  was  about  an  hour.  .  ., '    .  / 

Then,  making  a  grave  for  her  under  the  shadow  of  a  mulberry  tree  near  the 
battlefield,  apart  from  all  others,  with  the  assistance  of  two  of  the  boys  who 
were  detailed  to  bury  the  dead,  I  carried  her  remains  to  that  lonely  spot  and 
gave  her  a  soldier's  burial,  without  cofi&n  or  shroud,  only  a  blanket  for  a  wind- 
ing-sheet. 

There  she  sleeps  in  that  beautiful  forest  where  the  soft  Southern  breezes,sigh 
mournfully  through  the  foliage,  and  the  little  birds  sing  sweetly  above  her 
grave.  ■  .        ■■  <■..-•      •    ,••' 


■  fit. 


Her  race  is  run.    In  Southern  clime   [ 
}      She  rests  among  the  brave;  ' 

.  Where  perfumed  blossoms  gently  (all,, 
:Like  tears,  ^ound  iher,  grave. 


I 


f  -'• 


■"i*''^^  •> 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       131 

.-■■.,'  -  ^ 

*        ,  ■     --■ , 

No  Io%'ing  friends  are  near  to  weep 

'  Or  plant  bright  flowers  there;  > 

But  birdlings  chant  a  requiem  sweet, 

And  strangers  breattie  a  prayer. 

She  sleeps  in  peace;  yes,  sweetly  sleeps, 

Her  sorrows  all  are  o'er;      ■ 
With  her  iJie  storms  of  life  are  past; 

She's  found  the  heavenly  shore.  • 


CHAPTER     XXI. 

After  Antietam — Surgeons  on  the  Field — The  Hospitals — Lieut.-Col.  Dwight 
Mortally  Wounded — A  Brutal  Surgeon — A  Wounded  Captain — Agony 
from  Thirst — Christian  Soldiers — Praying  and  Fighting — Fops  on  the 
Field — A  Rebel  Program— Pennsylvauia  to  be  Stripped — Camp  Life — Daily 
Uoutine — Burial    Services.  '  ■ 

After  the  battle  of  Antietam,  one  of  the  Chaplains  wljp  was  on  the  field  paid  a 
fating  tribute  to  the  Colonel  commanding  the  regiment  to  which  he  belonged, 
and  \ividly  described  many  scenes- that  came  under  my  owti  observation  on 
that  day.     He  says: 

"How  faithfully  many  a  Surgeon  labored!    Our  own  Assistant  Surgeon  was ' 
a  hero;  regardless  of  bullets,  in  the  hottest  fire,  he  kept  coolly  on  in  his  work, 
while  near  by  Dr.  Kendall,  of  the  12th  Mass.,  was  killed. 

"The  nearest  hospital,  that  of  our  own  corps,  was  necessarily  in  range  of  the 
enemy's  shell,  which  every  now  and  then  fell  around  and  beyond.  Nearby 
were  five  other  hospitals,  all  for  one  wing.  Here  were  Generals  and  privates 
brouglit  together.  GJen.  Mansfield  I  saw  dying,  and  a  few  feet  off,  an  unknown 
private;  Gen.  Hartsuff  badly  wounded,  and  by  his  side  a  throng  of  others  now 
on  the  same  level.    There  is  no  distinction  «is  to  what  body  or  soul  needs  then. 

"Our  own  regiment  helped  to  fill  these  hospitals.  Our  gallant  dead  are  re- 
membered with  all  the  other  dead  of  Massachusetts.  But  one  we  lost,  hard  to 
replace;  our  brilliant,  brave,  generous,  kind-hearted  Lieut. -Col.  Wilder  Dwight, 
shot  n\prtally,  but  living  two  da>  s.  Of  wonderful  promise  at  home,  cheerful, 
resigned,  strong  in  faith  and  trust,  ready  to  die;  his  only  wish  being  to  see  his 
father  and  mother. 

"While  lying  in  the  garden,  moved  only  on  a  stretcher,  he  sent  our  own  Sur- 
geon to  relieve  the  wounded  who  were  lying  all  around,  the  Surgeons  being 
occupied  in  amputating  limbs  of  men  in  the  hospitals;  and  again  and  again  sent 
water  orovided  for  himself  to  the  poor  fellows  calling  for  it 


V  . 


.'^HkY- 


132  ,     KURSE    AND    SPY.  ,    ,; 

\  ■  -\ 

"Yet  Col.  Dwight  was  not  free  from  brutal  insolence.  While  waiting  there 
in  the  niglit  for  an  ambulance  in  which  to  place  him,  only  for  shelter,  suddenly 
a  harsh  voice  insisted  on  turning  him  out  with  all  our  men. 

"I  found  a  pompous  little  Surgeon  angry  and  furious.  I  informed  him  why 
the  men  were  tlicre,  assured  him  of  their  good  behavior  and  requested  permission 
for  them  to  remain,  as  we  were  momentarily  expecting  the  ambulance.  It  was 
all  in  vain.  Col.  Dwight  himself  was  treated  most  harshly,  although  of  higher 
rank  than  the  brute  himself;  and  notwithstanding  I  told  the  Surgeon  he  was 
mortally  wounded,  he  ordered  the  guard  to  turn  them  out  at  the  point  of  the 
bayonet,  and  to  prevent  their  return  even  to  remove  Col.  Dwight;  refusing  to 
tell  his  rank  and  even  his  name,  until  I  obtained  it  of  another  party.  The  men 
were  driven  away  while  actually  giving  water  to  the  wounded  who  had  been 
calling  in  vain  for  help. 

"I  assured  him  I  would  take  care  that  his  conduct  was  made  known,  knowing 
from  several  scenes  I  Iiad  witnessed  that  day  that  he  was,  from  brutality, 
pomposity  and  harslmcss,  utterly  unfit  to  be  ih  charge  of  wounded  men,  and, 
from  gross  disrespect  to  an  officer  higher  in  rank,  unfit  to  be  in  the  army.  This 
fellow  was  a  Medical  Director  in  Gen.  Reynolds's  Corps,  Pa.  Reserves,"  and 
the  writer  adds,  "too  good  a  corps  to  have  such  a  fellow  among  them."    . 

The  ordinary  scene  which  presents  itself  after  the  strife  of  arms  has  ceased 
is  familiar  to  every  one.  Heaps  of  slain, Avhcre  friend  and  foe  lie  side  by  side, 
mangled  bodies,  shrieks' and  groans  of  the  wounded  and  dying,  are  things 
which  we  always  associate  with  the  victories  and  defeats  of  war.  But  we  sel- 
dom expect  or  hear  of  songs  of  praise  and  sliouts  of  triumph  from  dying  lips  on 
the  dreadful  battlefield. 

The  following  account  was  received  from  the  lips  of  a  brave  and  pious  Captain 
in  one  of  the  AA'estcrn  regiments,  as  some  friends  were  conveying  him  to  a  hos- 
pital from  the  battlefield:  l 

"The  man  had  been  shot  through  both  thighs  with  a  rifle  bullet;  it  was  a 
woinid  from  wliich  he  could  not  recover.  While  lying  on  the  field  he  suffered 
intense  agony  from  tliirst.  lie  supported  his  head  upon  his  hand,  and  the  rain 
from  heaven  was  falling  around  him.  In  a  short  time  a  little  pool  of  water  col- 
lected near  his  elbow,  and  he  thouglit  if  he  fould  reach  that  spot  he  might  allay 
his  raging  thirst.  He  tried  to  get  into  a  position  which  would  enable  him  to 
obtain  a  mouthful  of  the  muddy  water,  but  in  vain;  and  he  must  suffer  the 
torture  of  seeing  the  means  of  relief  v,  itliin  sight,  while  all  his  efforts  were 
unavailing. 

"Never,'  said  he,  'did  I  feel  so  much  the  loss  of  any  earthly  blessing.  By  and 
by  the  shades  of  night  fell  around  us,  and  the  stars  shone  out  clear  and  beauti- 
ful above  the  dark  field,  where  so  many  others  lay  wounded,  writhing  in  pain 
or  faint  from  loss  of  blood.  Thus  situated,  I  began  to  think  of  the  great  God 
who  had  given  His  Son  to  die  a  death  of  agony  for  me,  and  that  He  was  in  the 
heavens  to  which  my  eyes  were  turned;  that  He  was  there  above  that  scene  of 
-uffcring  and  above  those  glorious  stars;  and  I  felt  that  I  was  hastening  home 


■.r,i^'^,;.^       il 


-^m- 


I : 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDJEE.       133 

to  meet  Him,  and  praise  Him  there.  I  f  elf  that  I  ought  to  praise  Him  then,  even 
wounded  as  I  was,  on  the  battlefield.  I  could  not  help  singing  that  beautifal 
hymn:   • 

"'When  I  can  read  my  title  clear  >- 

'        .         To  mansions  in  the  skies,     '    '' 
'   •  I'll  laid  farewell  to  every  fear,  , 

.  ; '  And  wipe  my  weeping  eyes '  Vv  . 

"'And  though  I  was  not  awai'e  of  it  till  then,' he  continued,  'it  proved  th«« 
was  a  Christian  brother  in  the  thicket  near  me.  I  could  not  see  him,  but  was 
near  enough  to  hear  him.  He  took  up  the  strain  from  me,  and  bej^CHid  him 
another,  and  another,  caught  the  words,  and  made  them  resound  far  a»d  wide 
over  the  terrible  battlefield.  There  was  a  peculiar  echo  in  the  place,  and  that 
added  to  the  effect,  as  we  made  the  night  vocal  with  our  hymns  of  praise  to  God." 

The  presence  of  such  men  in  the  army,  animated  by  faith  in  God,  and  con-sci- 
ous  of  serving  Him  in  serving  their  country,  added  materially  to  its  elements  of 
strength  and  success.  The  religious  element  has  always  been  acknowledged 
as  a  great  power  in  military  success.  The  more  intelligent  that  principle  is, 
the  more  efficient  it  must  be  in  securing  this  result. 

There  is  every  reiason,  natural  as  well  as  rational,  why  those  who  hold  their  ■  * 
lives  in  their  hand  should  acknowledge  the  God  of  battle,  and  pray  for  thcai- 
selves  and  their  country  in  the  midst  of  danger.  The  simplest  expression  <(f 
tlie  relations  of  praying  and  fighting  was,  perhaps,  the  blunt  order  of  the  Puri- 
tan Chief:  "Put  your  trust  in  God,  and  keep  your  powder  dry."  Cromwell  and 
his  praying  Puritans  were  dangerous  men  to  meet  in  battle.  "The  sword  of  the 
Lord  and  of  Gideon  was  exceeding  sharp,  tempered  as  it  was  by  hourly  prayers." 

Who  can  but  admire  the  sublime  spectacle  which  Gustavus  Adolphus  and  h& 
vast  army  presented  on  the  eye  of  the  battle  of  Lutzen,  in  wliich  the  King  fell 
praying  on  bended  knees,  and  then  chanting: 

Be  of  good  cheer;  your  cause  belongs  ,; 
To  Him  who  can  avenge  your  wrongs;  . 
Leave  it  to  Him  our  Lord.  ' 

The  King  fell,  but  the  battle  was  gloriously  won. 

"And  so,"  says  a  writer  upon  this  subject,  "unless  we  are  untrue  to  our  better 
nature,  it  must  ever  be.  Before  going  into  battle,  the  foolish,  wicked  oath  is 
silent.  With  the  bracing  of  the  nerves  for  the  shock  of  battle,  there  goes  up^ 
silent  prayer  for  strength  and  valor  and  deliverance.  The  wounded  pray  to 
be  saved  from  death;  the  dying  recall  the  Avords  of  old  petitions  learned  in  chiid- 
hco  1,  and  in  those  broken  accents  commit  their  souls  to  God." 

The  only  amusing  incident  after  a  battle  is  the  crowd  of  spectators  from  Wash- 
ington and  other  places.  If  they  are  in  carriages,  their  vehicles  are  sure  to  get 
smashed,  and  then  the  trouble  arises,  what  are  they  to  do  with  their  baggage?, 


iK^ 


^t  NURSE    AND    SPY. 

A- 

Carry  It,  of  course,  or  leave  it  behind.     V.xaw  the  wounded  soldiers  cannot  help 
laughing  at  their"%.)rry  plight,  gesticulations,  and  absurd  questions. 

Among  all  thi.s  tlass  of  individual.s  there  are  none  to  be  compared  with 
Goveriuuent  derUs  ftir  importance  and  aksurdity.  On  one  of  these  occasions  1 
remember  of  a  number  of  those  pompous  creatures  being  distressed  beycnd 
measure  because  the\  could  not  return  to  Washington  on  a  train^that  was 
crowdt^-d  beyond  description  with  the  wounded.  After  the  cars  moved  off  there 
they  stood  gazing  after  it  in  the  most  disconsolate  manner. 

Said  t»ne:  "1  came  out  here  by  invitation  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  now  I 
must  return  on  foot,  or  remain  here." 

One  of  the  soldiers  contemptuously  surveyed  him  from  head  to  foot,  as  he 
stood  there  with  kid  gloves,  white  bosom,  standing  collar,  etc.,  in  all  the  glory 
and  Jinery  of  a  brainless  fop,  starched  up  for  display. 

"Well,"  said  the  soldier,  "we  don't  know  any  such  individual  as  the  Secretary 
of  War  out  here,  but  I  guess  we  can  find  you  something  to  do;  perhaps  you 
would  take  a  fanc\-  to  one  of  the^e  muskets,"  laying  his  hand  on  a  pile  beside 
him. 

The  clerk  turned  away  in  disgust,  and  disdaining  to  reply  to  the  soldier,  he 
inquired: 

"But  where  shall  1  sleep  to-night?"  •        ' 

The  soldier  replied.  "Just  where  you  please,  chummy^  there  is  lots  of  roqm  all 
around  here,"  pointing  to  a  spot  of  ground  which  was  not  occupied  by  the 
wounded. 

A  Chaplain  stepped  up  \a  him,  and^aid:  "If  you  wish  to  sleep,  there  is  some 
hay  you  can  have";  and  went  on  to  give  him  a  brief  lecture  upon  the  impro- 
priety of  a  young  man,  in  perfect  health,  just  fresli  from  the  city,  talking  about 
comfortable  lodgings,  and  a  place  to  sleep,  when  ;>o  many  wounded  and  dying 
lay  all  around  him.     He  was  horrified,  and  disappeared  immediately. 

Before  t'.ie  rebels  attempted  tq  cross  into  Maryland  in  force,  the  Richmond 
papers  were  full  of  editorials,  of  which  the  following  is  a  specimen: 

"Let  not  ti  blade  of  grass,  or  a  stalk  of  corn,  or  a  barrel  of  flour,  or  a  bushel  of 
meal,  or  a  sack  of  salt,  or  a  horse,  or  a  cow,  or  a  hog,  or  a  sheep,  be  left  wherever 
the  Confederate  troops  iflove  along.  Let  vengeance  be  taken  for  all  that  has 
been  done,  until  retribution  itself  shall  stand  aghast.  This  is  the  country  of 
the  would-be-gentleman,  McClellan.  He  has  caused  a  loss  to  us,  in  Virginia, 
of  at  least  30,00U  negroes,  the  most  valuable  property  that  a  Virginian  can  own. 
They  have  no  negroes  in  Pennsylvania.  Retaliation,  therefore,  must  fall  upon 
something  else.  A  Dutch  farmer  has  no  negroes,  but  he  has  horses,  that  can 
be  seized,  grain  that  can  be  confiscated,  cattle  that  can  be  killed,  and  houses 
that  can  be  burned." 

But  when  they  really  attempted  to  accomplish  these  feats,  and  found  with 
whom  they  had  to  contend,  they  were  very  glad  to  recross  the  Potomac,  without 
confiscating  property  or  burning  houses,  and  to  escape,  leaving  their  dead  and 
wounded  on  the  field. 


-;♦*:_ 


DVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        135 

X  :      : 

After  the  bafiTe  of  Antietam,  the  army  was  not  in  a  condition  to  follow  up'the 
rebels;  but  as  soon  as  the  Capital  was  safe,  and  the  rebels  were  driven  from 
Maryland  and  Pennsylvania,  a  igorous  efforts  were  made  to  recruit,  clothe,  and 
reorganise  the  army.  Harper's  Ferry  was  again  occupied,  every  weak  point 
strengthened,  and  all  the  fords  were  strongly  guarded.  While  the  array  tlrus 
remained  inactive  for  a  few  weeks,  camp  duties  and  discipline  were  again  strictly 
enforced  and  attended  to. 

I  would  not  havcfny  readers  think  that  camp  life  in  the  array  is  so  yery  un- 
pleasant, after  all  I  do  not  think  so,  for  I  have  spent  some  of  the  pleasantest, 
happiest  hours  of  my  life  in  camp,  and  I  think  thousands  can  give  the  same 
testimony. 

One  of  our'  good  Chaplains  from  the  North  said  that  even  the  City  of  New 
York  itself  can  bear  no  favorable  comparison  to  military  life  in  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  "After  all,''  he  says,  "New  York  is  a  humbug  compared  with  the 
army.  It  is  tattoo,  as  I  write;  what  music  it  is,  compared  with  the  nuisance 
noises  of  those  city  streets!  Our  candles  are  not  brilliant;  but  the  sight  of  the 
lighta  of  the  camps  all  around  is  more  pleasant  than  the  glare  of  the  city  gas. 
TJie  air  is  the  pure  air  of  heaven,  not  the  choky  stuff  of  the  metropolis.  The 
men  are  doing  something  noble,  not  dawdling  away  these  glorious  days  in 
selling  tape  and  ribbons.  The  soldier  lives  to  some  purpose,  and  if  he  dies  it  is 
a  hero's  death.  The  silks  of  that  wealthy  mart  may  be  coveted  by  some;  but 
what  are  the  whole  to  our  bullet-riddled  old  flag,  which  passed  from  the  stiffen^ 
ing  hands  of  one  color  bearer  to  another  in  the  days-of  many  a  battle?" 

To  give  my  reader  a  more  definite  idea  of  the  routine  of  camp  life,  I  will  enter 
into  a  detail  of  it  more  fully.  At  sunrise  reveille  beats,  drum  echoing  to  drum 
until  the  entire  encampment  is  astir  and  busy  as  a  beehive.  Roll-call  immedi- 
ately follows,  which  brings  every  man  to  his  place  in  the  ranks  to  answer  to  hia 
iiame.  An'  hour  later  breakfast  call  is  sounded  by  fife  and  drum,  and  the  com- 
pany cooks,  who  are  detailed  ior  that  purpose,  deal  out  the  rations  to  the  men 
as  they  sit  or  stand  around  tlie  cook's  quarters. 

,  At  7:30  o'clock  sick  call  announces  to  Surgeons  and  patients  that  they  are 
expected  to  appear  at  the  dispensing  tent — if  able  to  go  there.  Then  comes  a 
general  examination  at  tongues  and  pulses,  and  a  liberal  distribution  of  quinine 
and  bluepills,  and  sometimes  a  little  eau  de  vie,  to  wash  down  the  bittfer  drugs. 

Guard  mounting  at  8,  which  is  an  imposing  affait  in  itself.  The  band 
marches  to  the  usual  place  of  dress  parade  and  strikes  up  some  appropriate 
piece,  wlxich  is  the  signal  for  the  regimental  details  to  march  to  the  place  of  in- 
spection. The  line  is  formed,  arms  inspected,  and  general  appearance  noted. 
Then  the  m«n  are  marched  in  review,  and  divided  into  three  reUefs — ^one  of 
V.'hich  is  marched  to  the  post  of  each  sentinel,  where,  after  vai'ious  importauit 
conferences,  the  old  sentinel  is  relieved  and  the  new  one  takes  his  place*  and  so 
en  around  the  whole  camp.  The  old  guard  is  then  marched  to  their  quarters 
and  formally  dismissed,  having  been  on  duty  two.hours«ut  of  every  six  during 
the  last 7  24  >bouri9,  .'T'^:  /,   j  i     »     ; 


:  rf.'-V'  ;..*.'.-',T»; 


rJl^j-, 


198  KURSE   AND   SPY. 

At  9  o'clock  the  miisic  sounds  for  company  drill,  which  drill  lasts  an  hour  and 
a  half.    The  bugle  announces  dinner  at  1  o'clock. 

At  3  in  the  afternoon  battalion  drill  commences,  which  occupies  an  hour.  At 
4:30  is  heard  the  first  call  for  evening  parade,  and  at  5  o'clock  comes  off  the  great 
display  of  the  day — dress  parade. 

Supper  at  6,  tattoo  at  8:30,  and  roll-call  again  at  9;  immediately  after  which 
comes  "taps"  on  the  drum,  which  means  "lights  out." 

Between  all  these  calls,  drills  and  pareides  were  more  interesting  services  and 
duties.  Away  in  one  corner  of  the  camp  v/as  our  canva3  or  log  meeting-house, 
and  besides  our  regular  preaching  we  had  conference  and  prayer  meetings, 
debating  clubs,  military  lectures,  and  numerous  musical  entertainments. 

Then  came  visiting  the  sick  in  diffprent  hospitals,  distribution  of  reading 
matter  and  delicacies,  and  the  blessed  privilege  of  religious  conversation;  and 
often  the  solemn  services  in  connection  with  burying  the  dead.  I  will  here  give 
a  brief  description  of  this  service: 

The  burial  of  a  soldier  in  camp  is  a  most  solemn  scene.  A  suitable  escort  is 
formed  in  two  ranks  opposite  the  tent  of  the  deceased,  with  shouldered  arms  and 
bayonets  unfixed.  On  the  appearance  of  the  coffin  the  soldiers  present  arms. 
The  procession  then  forms— on  each  side  of  the  coffin  are  the  pall-bearers  without 
muskets — and  the  escort  moves  forward  with  arms  reversed,  viz,  musket  under 
the  left  arm,  barrel  downward,  and  steadied  behind  the  back  with  the  right 
hand.  The  band  marches  in  front;  with  slow  and  measured  tread  and  muffled 
drum  they  move,  pouring  out  their  melancholy  wailings  for  the  dead — a  sadder 
dirge  than  which  never  fell  upon  mortal  ear. 

On  reaching  the  place  of  interment  the  coffin  is  lowered  into.the  grave,  the  sol- 
diers leaning  upon  their  muskets,  muzzle  downward,  the  hands  clasped  upon  the 
butt  of  their  guns,  with  heads  uncovered  and  reverently  bowed  upon  their  hands. 
The  Chaplain,  who  has  walked  in  the  rear  of  the  procession,  conducts  the  burial 
service,  at  the  end  of  which  three  volleys  are  fired  over  the  g,rave,  the  trench  is 
filled  up,  and  the  soldiers  return  to  duty.         '■  . 

Warrior,  rest!  thy  toils  are  ended;  '      % 

Life's  last  fearful  strife  is  o'er;  ^  . 

Clarion  calls,  with  rfeath-notes  blended. 

Shall  disturb  thine  ear  no  more!  .' 

Peaceful  is  thy  dreamless  slumber; 

Peaceful,  but  how  cold  and  stern! 
Thou  hast  joined  that  silent  number   ... 

In  the  land  whence  none  return!  ...  . 


Warrior,  rest!  thy  banner  o'er  thee 
,    Hangs  in  many  a  drooping  fold; 

Many  a  manly  cheek  before  thee 
,    ^tain'd.with  teartkops  we  behold! 


'r- 


■  ■J'' .  .-aiLy-t.-' i..t 


»"*     ii.>5= 


ADVENTUEES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       IST 


■  V. 


Thine  was  not  a  hand  to  falter      '":■'"      '■ 
When  thy  sword  should  leave  its  sheath; 
Thine  was  not  a  cheek  ito  alter, 
Though  thy  duty  led  to  death! 

Warrior,  restl  a  dirge  is  knelling 

Solemnly  from  shore  to  shore; 
'Tis  a  nation's  tribute,  telling 

That  a  p&triot  is  no  more! 
And  thy  young  bride  weeps  in  sorrow 

That  no  more  she  hears  thy  tread; 
That  the  night  which  knows  no  morrow 

Darkly  vails  thy  laurel'd  head' 

Warrior,  rest!  we  smooth  thy  pillow, 

For  thy  last,  long  earthly  sleep; 
And  beneath  yon  verdant  willow 

Storms  unheard  will  o^er  thee  sweep! 
There,  't  is  done!  thy  couch  awaits  theel 

Softly  down  thy  hefid  we  lay: 
Here  repose,  till  God  translates  thee       "*- 

From  the  dust  to  endless  day  J 


■»i 


„.     .         -  CHAPTER  XXII.  .  '.    • 

A  Military  Execution— The  Preparations— The  Death— Harper's  Ferry— Old 
John  Brown — Contrast — Advance  Into  Virginia — Condition  of  the  Army. 
A  Dreary  Ride — A  Green  Guard — Seeking  Shelter— A  Guerrilla  Fight — My 
Horse  Killed — Playing  Possum— My  Pockets  Picked — A  Narrow  Escape.- 
Return  to  Camp — An  Interesting  Meeting. 

About  this  time  one  of  those  horrible  and  soul-revolting  sights;  a  "military 
execution,"  took  place;  in  other  words,  a  soldier  was  shot  in  cold  blood  by  his 
comrades.  I  did  not  witness  the  execution,  although  it  occurred  within  a  short 
distance  of  camp,  and  Igive  the  particulars  relating  to*it  from  the  record  of  the 
Chaplain  who  attended  the  unhappy  man  to  the  place  of  execution: 

"A  pfiinful  episode,  the  first  of  the  kind  I  have  witnessed,  took  place  leist 
Friday.  It  was  a  military  execution.  The  person  thus  punished  belonged 
to  the  3d  Md.,  which  is  in  out  division.  On  Tuesday  last  his  sentence  was 
formally  read  to  him.  He 'was  to  be  fehot  to 'death  with  nrusketry  on  the  next 
Friday,  between  the  hours  of  noon'  and  foiu  in  the  afternoon.  He  had  learned 
the  decision  on  the  Sunday  before.  r      -  . 


' '  "^"i  V  i-C-^ 


13a  NURSE   AND   SPY!.  ..  .-...• 

-  "    4  ■■-•-  '•■  ^     ■:•  >■■ 

"The  day  of  his  execution  was  wet  and  gloomy.  That  morning,  in- the 
midst  of  the  Prov6st  Guard,  he  weis  sitting  on  a  bag  of  grain,  leaning  against 
a  tjee,  while  a  sentry  with  fixed  bayonet  stood  behind,  never  turning  away 
from  him,  save  as  another  took  his  place.  Useless  seemed  the « watch,  for 
arms  and  feet  had  been  secured,  though  not  painfully,  since  theiSintence  was 
read. 

"The  Captain  of  the  guard  had  humanely  done  all  he  could,  and  it  was  partly  * 
by  his  request  that  I  was  there.    A  Chaplain  could  minister  where  others 
would  not  be  allowed.    The  rain  fell  silently  on  him;  the  hours  of  his  life  were " 
numbered,  even  his  miruites.    He  was  to  meet  death,  not  in  the  shock  and 
excitement  of  battle,  not  as  a  martyr  for  his  country;  not  in  disease,  but  in  full 
health,  and  as  a  criminal. 

"I  have  seen  many  a  man  die,  and  have  tried  to  perform  the  sacifed  duties  of 
my  station.*  I  never  had  so  painful  a  task  as  this,  because  of  theiSe  circum- 
stances. Willingly,  gladly,  he  conversed,  heard  and  answered.  While  such 
a  work  is  painful,  yet  it  has  its  bright  side,  because  of  the  'exceeding  great  and 
precious  promises'  it  is  one's  privilege  to  tell. 

**Wh«n  the  time  came  for  removal  to  the  place  of  execution,  he  .entered  an 
ambulance,  the  Chaplain  accompanying  him.  Next,  in  another  ambulance, 
was  the  coffin;  before,  behind,  and  on  either  side  a  guard.  .  Half  -a  mile  of  this 
sad  journey  brought  him  within  a  short  distance  of  the  spot.  Then  leaving 
the  ambulance,  he  walke<l  to  the  place  selected.  The  rain  had  ceeised,  the  sun 
was  shining  on  the  dark  lines  of  the  whole  division  drawn  up  in  three  sides  of  a 
hollow  square. 

"With  guard  in  front  and  rear  he  passed  with  steady  step  to  the  open  side  of 
the  square,  accompanied  by  the  Chaplain,  There  was.a  grave  dug,  and  in 
front  of  it  was  his  coffin.  He  sat  upon  the  coffin;  his  feet  were  rcconfined,  ifco ; 
allow  of  which  halifted  them  voluntarily,  and  then  his  eyes  were  bandaged. 
In  front  of  him  the  firing  party,  of  two  from  each  regiment,  were  then  drawn 
up,  half  held  in  reserve,  during  which  there  <vas  still  a  little  time  for  words  with . 
Ihs  Chaplain. 

"The  General  (not  McClellanl  stood  by,  and  the  Provost-Marshal  read  the 
sentCTice  arid  shook  hands  with  the  condemned;  Then  a  praj'er  was  offered, 
amid  uncovered  heads  and  solemn  faces.  A  last  handshake  with  the  Chap- 
lain, which -he  had  twice  requested;  a  few  words  from  him  to  the  Chaplain;  a 
lingering  pressure  by  the  hand  of  the  condemned,  his  lips  "moving  with  a 
prayer-sentence  wliich  he  had  been  taught,  and  on  which  hiis  thoughts  had 
dwelt  before,  an^  he  was  left  alone. 

"The  word  of  command  was  immediately  given.    One  volley,  and  he  fell 
over  instfehtly,  unconscious.    A  record  of  the  wounds  was  made  by  the  Sur- 
geons, who  immediately  examined  him.    The  troops  filed  by  his  grave,  and 
returned  by  the  way4hey  came.    He  left  a  mother  and  sister,  and  was  20  years  , 
ei  age." 

Soon  alter  I  spent  a  night  at  Harper's  Ferry.   John  Brown  is  still  remember*- 


!    .. 


.^t^-7/- 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        139 

cj  there,  and  the  soldiers  go  round  singing  "His  soul  goes  marching  on."  ,That 
medley  of  a  song  does  not  seem  so  senseless,  after  all,  for  the  spirit  of  John 
J}ro\vTi  does  seem  to  march  along  wonderfully  fast,  anc^our  troops  are  becom- 
ing i.nibued  with  it  to  a  greater  extent  than  is  generally  supposed. 

1  also  visited  the  Court  House,  where  public  service  was  held  by  a  Massachu- 
setts Chaplain  in  the  very  room  where  John  Brown  was  tried,  convicted  and 
sentenced.  There  was  the  spot  where  he  had  lain  upon  his  litter.  There  in 
front  of  the  Judge's  platform  were  the  jurors'  seats.  The  chair  which  the 
Judge  had  occupied  was  now  tenanted  by  an  Abolition  preacher.  Oh  I  if  old 
John  Brown  had  only  lived  to  see  that  day!  But  he  is  gone,  and  "His  soul 
goes  marching  on." 

On  Oct. ^25,  the  pontoon  bridges  being  completed  at  Harper's  Ferry  and  at 
}3crlin,  the  army  once  more  advanced  into  Virginia.  The  Ninth  Corps  and 
I'lcasonton's  Cavalry  occupied  Lovettsville,  a  pretty  little  village  reminding 
one  of  New  England.  The  army  was  now  in  admirable  condition  and  fine 
spirits,  and  enjoyed  this  march  exceedingly,  scarcely  a  man  dropping  out 
of  the  ranks  for  any  cause  whatever,  but  entering  into  the  spirit  of  the  cam- 
paign with  an  energy  which  surpassed  all  their  former  enthusiasm.,     y  V     -  . 

As  the  army  marched  rapidly  over  the  country  from  village  to  \allage,  the 
advance  guard  driving  the  enemy's' pickets  from  one  covert  to  another,  many 
thrilling  adventures  occurred,  several  of  which  came  under  my  ovra  obsCTva- 
tion,  and  as  I  am  expected  particularly  to  relate  those  in  which  I  was  person- 
ally concerned,  I  will  here  relate  one  which  came  very  near  being  my  last  on 
this  side  the  "river." 

Ou  the  morning  of  the  third  day  after  we  left  Lovettsville,  I  was  sent  back  to 
Headquarters,  which  was  said  to  be  some  12  miles  in  the  rear.  1  was  then 
with  the  advance  guard,  and  when  they  started  forward  at  daylight  I  went  to 
the  rear.  In  order  to  go  more  quickly  I  left  all  my  traps  in  an  ambulance- 
blankets,  overcoat  and  grain,  excepting  cno\igh  to  feed  once.  Then  starting 
at  a  brisk  canter  I  soon  lost  sight  of  the  advancing  column.  I  rode  on  mile 
after  mile,  and  passed  train  after  train,  but  could  find  no  one  that  could  tell 
me  where  McClellafl's  Headquarters  were. 

On  I  went  in  this  way  until  noon,  and  then  found'that  I  was  six  miles  from 
Headquarters.  i\ftcr  riding  a  distance  which  seemed  to  me  all  of  10  miles,  I 
at  length  fo\ind  the  place  sought  for.  I  fed  my  horse,  attended  to  the  business 
which  I  had  been  sent  to  transact,  and  then  tried  to  find  something  in  the  way 
of  rations  for  myself,  but  failed  utterly.  Not  a  mouthful  could  I  procure  either 
at  the  Sutler's,  Headquarters,  cook-house,  or  in  any  other  place.  I  went  to 
two  houses  and  they  told  me  they  had  not  a  mouthful  in  the  houae,  cooked  or 
uncooked — but  of  course  I  believed  as  much  of  that  story  as  I  pleased. 

The  day  had  been  very  cold;  there  had  been  several  smart  showers  during 
my  ride,  and  now  it  began  to  snow — a  sort  of  sleet  which  froze  as  fast  as  it  fell. 

This  was  ein  October  day  in  Old  Virginia.  Oh!  what  an  afternoon  I  spent  in 
the  saddle,  on  ray  return;  hungry,  wet,  and  shivering  with  cold.    I  traveled 


. '  -    <• 


140  NURSE   AND   SPY. 


■V. 


as  fast  as  my  horse  was  able  to  go  until  10  o'clock  at  night,  with  the  hope  of 
overtaking  the  troops  I  had  left  in  the  morning,  but  all  in  vain,  for  the  whole 
fine  of  march  and  programme  for  the  day  had  been  changed,  in  consequence 
of  coming  in  contact  with  the  enemy  and  having  a  sharp  skirmish,  which 
resulted  in  our  troops  being  nearly  outflanked  and  cut  off  from  the  main 
body  of  the  army. 

Of  course,  I  had  no  opportunity  of  Icnowing  this  that  night,  so  on  I  went  in 
another  direction  from  that  in  which  the  advance  guard  had  gone.  Dy  and 
by  I  came  to  some  fresh  troop.s  just  from  tlie  North,  who  had  lately  enlisted' and 
been  sent  down  to  Wasliington,  and  now  were  on  their  way  to  join  McClellan's 
army.  They  liad  been  put  on  guard  duty  for  the  first  time,  and  that  too  with- 
out any  definite  orders,  their  officers  having  concluded  to  remain  there  until  the 
main  column  came  up,  and  tliey  scarcely  knew  where  they  were  or  what  orders 
to  give  their  men.  As  1  rode  up,  one  of  tlie  boys — for  boy  he  was,  not  more  . 
than  16  Summers  had  graced  his  youthful  brow — stepped  out  in  the  middle  of 
the  road  with  his  musket  at  a  "trail  arms,"  and  there  he  stood  till  I  came  up 
close  to  him,  and  tlien  he  did  not  even  say  "halt,"  but  quietly  told  me  that  I 
could  not  go  any  farther  in  that  direction.  Why  not?  Well,  he  didn't  exactly 
know,  but  he  was  put  there  on  guard,  and  he  supposed  it  was  to  prevent  any  one 
from  going  baclvward  or  forward.  Whether  they  have  the  countersign  or  not? 
Well,  he  did  not  know  how  that  was.  I  then  asked  him  if  the  officer  of  the 
guard  had  given  him  the  countersign.  Yes,  but  he  did  not  know  whether 
it  was  right  or  not. 

"Well,"  said  I,  "perhaps  I  can  tell  you  wlicther  it  is  correct;  I  have  just  come 
from  Hcadfiuartcrs."  He  seemed  to'thinli  that  there  could  be  no  harm  in  telling 
me  if  I  liad  been  at  Headquarters,  so  he  told  me  without  any  hesitation.  Where- 
upon I  proceeded  to  tell  him  of  tlie  impropriety  of  doing  so;  that  it  was  a  military 
offense  for  which  he  could  be  punished  severely;  and  that  he  haxi  no  right  to 
give  tlie  countersijrn  to  any  one,  not  even  the  General  in  command.  Then  I 
told  liim  how  to  liokl  his  musket  when  he  challenged  any  one  on  his  beat,  and 
wit  Ilia  how  many  paces  to  let  tiiem  approach  him  before  halting  them,  etc. 
The  boy  received  both  lecture  and  instruction  "in  the  spirif  of  meekness,"  and 
by  the  time  f  had  finished  a  number  of  the  men  were  standing  around  me  eager 
to  ask  questions,  and  especially  if  I  knew  to  what  portion  of  the  army  that 
particular  regiment  was  to  be  assigned. 

After  passing  along  tlirough  these  green  troops  I  rode  on  till  I  came  to  a  little 
village,  which  I  never  learned  the  name  of,  and  intended  to  stop  there  the  re- 
mainder of  the  night;  but  upon  learning  that  a  band  of  guerrillas  occupied  it, 
I  turned  aside,  preferring  to  seek  some  other  place  of  rest.  « 

I  traveled  till  2  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  my  horse  began  to  show  signs 
of  giving  out;  then  I  stopped  at  a  farmhouse,  but  not  being  able  to  make  any 
one  hear  me,  I  hitched  my  horse  under  cov<;r  of  a  wood-shed,  and  taking  the 
blanket  from  under  the  saddle,  I  lay  down  beside  him.  the  ^5dle-blanket 
being  my  only  covering. 


,  *    ■      '      ' ,  .,  -      *^    - :        ^-  ■  -'  ■     ■      -■  ..  ,    ■ 

/■  •  ,.  •       ,.  ■        /    ■-  :  .  ,        .    - 

ADVENTUEES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIEE.       141      --      * 

The  storm  had  ceased,  but  the  night  was  intensely  cold,  and  the  snow  was 
about  two  or  three  inches  deep.     I  shall  always  believe  that  I  would  have  perish- 
ed that  night,  had  not  my  faithful  horse  lain  down  beside  me,  and  by  the  heat  ^ 
of  his  beautiful  head,  which  he  laid  across  my  shoulders,  (a  thing  which  he 
always  did  whenever  I  lay  down  where  he  could  reach  me,)  kept  me  from  perish-            /^ . 
ing  in  my  wet  clothes. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  I  had  started  at  daylight  the  previous  morning, 
and  had  never  been  out  of  tUe  saddle  or  fed  my  horse  but  onco  since  I  started, 
and  had  not  eaten  a  mouthful  myself  for  24  hours,  and  had  ridden  all  day  and  '  ^5 

almost  all  night  in  the  storm.    In  the  morning  my  feet  and  hands  were  so  -  '■ 

chilled  that  they  were  perfectly  numb,  and  I  could  scarcely  stand.    However,  .  f 

as  soon  as  daylight  came  I  started  again.    About  a  mile  from  there  I  went  into  V 

a  field,  where  the  unhusked  corn  stood  in  stacks,  and  fed  my  horse.  ,        -.C  ■ 

While  employed  in  this  manner,  there  came  along  a  party  of  our  cavalry 
looking  after  that  band  of  guerrillas  which  I  had  passed  the  night  before.  It  - 
was  known  that  they  were  in  the  neighborhood,  and  these  men  were  sent  out  in 
search  of  them.  I  told  them  what  I  knew  about  it,  and  intimated  that  if  I  werj 
not  so  hungry,  I  would  go  back  with  them  to  the  village.  That  objection  wa5 
soon  removed  by  supplying  me  with  a  substantial  breakfast  from  their  haver- 
sacks, "'l;,^ 

We  started  for  the  village,  and  had  gone  about  five  miles  when  we  were  sud- 
denly surprised  and  fired  upon  by  the  guerrilfes.  Two  of  our  men  were  killed 
on  the  spot,  and  my  horse  received  three  bullets.  He  reared  arid  plunged 
before  he  fell,  and  in  doing  so  the  saddle-girth  was  broken,  and  saddle  and 
rider  were  thrown  over  his  head.  I  was  thrown  on  the  ground  violently  which 
stunned  me  for  a  moment,  and  my  horse  soon  fell  beside  me,  his  blood  pouring 
from  three  wounds. 

Making  a  desperate  effort  to  rise,  he  groaned  once,  fell  back,  and  throwing 
his  neck  across  my  body,  he' saturated  me  from  head  to  foot  with  his  blood.  / 

H   died  in  a  few  minutes.  *  . 

1  remained  in  that  position,  not  daring  to  rise,  for  our  party  had  fled  and  the  V 

.ebels  pursued  them.  A  very  few  minutes  elapsed  when  the  guerrillas  re- 
turned, and  the  first  thing  I  saw  was  one  of  the  men  thrusting  his  saber  into 
one  of  the  dead  men  beside  me.  I  was  lying  partially  on  my  face,  so  I  closed 
1)-  eyes  and  passed  for  dead. 

^  he  rebels  evidently  thought  I  was  unworthy  of  their  notice,  for  after  search-  v 

mg  the  bodies  of  the  two  dead  men  they  fode  away;  but  just  ets  I  was  mailing 
up  my  mind  to  crawl  out  from  under  the  dead  horse,  I  heard  the  tramp  of  a 
1.      ""'s  feet,  and  lay  perfectly  still  and  held  my  breath. 

-I  was  one  of  the  same  men,  who  had  returned.  Dismounting,  he  came  up 
and  took  hold  of  my  feet,  and  partially  drew  me  from  under  the  horse's  head,  •       > 

and  then  examined  my  pockets.    Fortunately,  i  had  no  official  documents 
with  me,  and  very  little  money — not  more  than  five  dollars. 
^  After  tt^nsferring  the  contents  of  my  pockets  to  his^iwn,  he  remounted  his 


t.-  ■  ■  •-■, ....  .j 


142  NURSE    AND    SPY.  .     *       J 

horse  and  rode  away,  without  ever  suspecting  that  the  object  befo^  hira  was  \ 
playing  'possum.  "\ 

Not  long  after  the  departure  of  the  guerrillas,  our  party  returned  with  rein- 
forcements and  pursued  the  rebel  band.    One  of  the  men  returned  to  camp  with  , 
»  me,  letting  me  ride  his  horse,  and  walking  all  the  way  himself.    The  guerrillas  \ 
were  captured  that  day,  and,  after  searching  them,  my  pocket-book  was  found  ; 
upon  one  of  them,  and  was  returned  to  me  with  its  contents  undisturbed.     It 
lies  before  me  while  1  write,  reminding  me  of  that  narrow  escape,  and  of  the 
laercy  of  God  in  sparing  my  unprofitable  life. 

,     ,     ^,  .A   Sov'reigif  Protector   I   have,.  ;;     .•  >• 

-  Unseen,  yet  forever  at  hand;  '  '  ' 

Unchangeably  faithful  to  save, — 
Almighty  to  rule  and  command.  ^         ■    . '  . 

After  returning  to  camp,  I  found  that  I  had  sustained  more  injury  by  my  fall  - . 

from  the  horse  than  1  had  realized  at  the  time.     But  a  broken  limb  would  have  '. 

been  borne  cheerfulh',  if  1  could  only  have  had  my  pet  horse  again.  .  That  .. 

evening  we  held  our  weekly  prayer-meeting,  notwithstanding  we  were  on  a    : 

inarch.    Chaplain  and  Mrs.  B ,  Nellie,  and  Dr.  E were  present,  and 

joined  heartily  in  singing  the  following  hymn:  .  •' 

•     \    -         \      ■    ■      '■"*  ' 
And  are  we  yet  alive, 

And  see  each  other's  face?  ■  ,   \    ';, 

Glory  and  praise  to  Jesus  givv.. 

For  His  redeeming  grace. 
Preserved  by  power  divine 

To  full  salvation  here, 
Again  in  Jesus'  praise  we  join,  »  . 

And  in  his  sight  appear.        •    ' 

r 

*         What  troubles  have  we  seen! 
^  What  conflicts  have  we  past!  i 

Fightings  without,  and  fears  within,  . 

Since  we  assembled  last!  ;    • 

But  out  of  all  the  Lord  ■  -       .      - 

»  Hath  brought  us  by  His  love;    »  . 

And  still  he  dotlf  his  help  afford, 
And  hides  oqr  Ufe  above.  .'■   ' 


\  -  ^ 


\ 


.\-  1 


After  reaching  Warren  ton  the  array  encamped  in  that  vicinity  for  a  few  days, 
during  which  Father  Abraham  took  the  favorable  opportunity  of  relieving 
the  idol  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  from  his  command,  and  ordered  him'  to 
report  at  Trenton,  N.  J.,  just  as  he  was  entering  upon  another  campaign,  with 
kis  Army  in  splendid  conditioa 


-■>...>.•: 


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m. 


m 


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mi 


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^iM. 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       143 

After  a  brief  address  and  an  aflecting  farewell  to  officers  and  men,  he  hast- 
.cned  to  comply  with  the  order.  •     • 

The  new  commander  marched  the  army  immediately  to  Falmouth,  opposite 
Fredericksburg.  Of  the  incidents  of  that  march  I  know  nothing,  for  I  went  to 
Washington,  and  from  thence  to  Aquia  Creek  by  water. 

I  went  ff6iii  Washington  to  Aquia  Creek  by  steamer,  and  from  thence  to 
Falmouth  on  horseback.  I  found  the  army  encamped  in  the  mud  for  miles 
along  the  Rappahannock  River. 

It  was  now  December,  and  the  weather  was  extremely  cold,  yet  the  constant 
rains  kept  the  roads  in  the  most  terrible  state  imaginable. 

On  riding  along  the  brink  of  the  river  we  could  see  distinctly  the  rebel  bat- 
teries frowning  on  the  bights  beyond  the  city  of  Fredericksburg,  and  the  rebel 
sentinels  walking  their  rounds  within  talking  distance  of  our  own  pickets. 

The  bridges  were  soon  completed,  and  troops  marched  over  and  took  posses- 
sion of  the  city,  Headquarters  were  established  in  the  principal  building,  and 
a  church  and  other  large  buildings  were  appropriated  for  hospital  purposes. 

Of  course,  it  is  not  for  me  to  say  whose  fault  it  was  in  sacrificing  those  thou- 
sands of  noble  lives  which  fell  upon  that  disastrous  field,  or  in  charging  again 
and  again  upon  those  terrible  stone  walls  and  fortifications,  after  being  re- 
pulsed every  time  with  more  than  half  their  number  lying  on  the  ground.  The 
brave  men,  nothing  daunted  by  their  thinned  ranks,  advanced  more  fiercely- 
on  the  foe.  :• 

But  when  it  was  proved  to  a  demonstration  that  it  was  morally  impossible 
to  take  and  retain  those  bights,  in  consequence  of  the  natural  advantage  of 
position  which  the  rebels  occupied,  and  still  would  occupy  if  they  should  Jail 
back — whose  fault  was  it  that  the  attempt  was  made  time  after  time,  until  the 
field  was  literally  piled  with  dead  and  ran  red  with  blood? 

A  council  of  war  was  held  by  our  Generals,  and  the  conclusion  arrived  at 
that  the  enterprise  should  be  abandoned,  and  that  the  army  should  recross  the 
Rappahannock  under  cover  of  darkness.  Everything  was  conducted  in  the 
most  quiet  manner;  so  quiet,  indeed,  that  the  enemy  never  suspectetl  the  move- 
ment, and  the  retreat  was  accomplished,  and  the  bridges  partially  removed, 
before  the  fact  was  discovered. 

After  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  the  weather  was  very  cold,  and  the  wound- 
ed suffered  exceedingly — even  after  they  were  sent  to  Aquia  Creek,  and  other 
places — for  they  could  nOt  all  be  provided  for  and  made  comfortable  imme- 
diately. Our  troops  returned  to  their  old  camps  in  the  mud.  and  remained 
stationary  for  several  weeks,  notwithstanding  our  daily  orders  were  to  be 
ready  to  march  at  a  moment's  notice.  The  unnecessary  slaughter  of  our  men 
at  Fredericlisburg  had  a  sad  effect  upon  our  tjoops,  and  the  tone  of  the  Northern 
press  was  truly  digressing.'     '  .     •    <>     ;  .  ^ ;' v     i  ;  r  "     ?•  > '> 

The  Winter'^oi'e'  away,  and  a  sore  Winter  I  thought  it  was;  for  in  riding  a 
distance  of  twt)  miles,'  iii  two  instances,  I  had  my  feet  frozen. 
Gen.  Hooker  was  put  in  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,,  and  Bunt- 


^■i(.:iJyjiL\s^..  tvr'-i^i,-..^  .I..J  ■■ji:-'.^  ■'  'S^'^' y^.  \  '^..'^^l      .-■:^':  ■  .'•        i!.--,--*.ik„(l'. 


144  NURSE    AND   gPY.  .    "./-'.r":; 

side,  with  the  Ninth  Corps,  ordered  to  the  Western  Department.  Beitig  desirous 
of  leaving  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  I  now  applied  for  pcrmiteioh  td  go  with 
the  Ninth  Corps,  which  wjis  granted. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  troops  at  Louisville  they  were  sent  in  detachments  to 
different  plfices — some  to  Bardstown,  some  to  Lebanon,  and  others  to  guard 
different  portions  of  the  railroad.  .'    ! 

I  took  the  cars  and  went  to  Lebanon — dressed  in  arebel  prisoner's  dolhes — 
and  made  another  trip  to  rebeldom.  My  business  purpocted  te  be  buying  up 
butter  and  eggs,  at  the  farmhouses,  for  the  rebel  army.  I  passed  through  the 
lines  somewhere,  without  knowing  it;  for  on  coming  to  a  httle  village,  toward 
evening,  I  found  it  occupied  by  a  strong  force  of  rebel  cavalry.  The  first  house 
I  went  to  was  filled  with  officers  and  citizens.  1  had  stumbled  upon  a  wedding- 
party  unawares.  Capt.  Logan,  a  recruiting  officer,  had  been  married  that 
afternoon  to  a  brilliant  young  widow  whose  husband  had  bfcen  kiUcci  in  the 
rebel  army  a  few  months  before.  She  had  discovered  that  widow's  weeds 
were  not  becoming  to  her  style  of  beauty,  so  had  decided  to  appear  once  more  in 
bridal  costume,  for  a  change. 

I  was  questioned  pretty  sharply  by  the  handsome  Captain  in  regard  to  the 
nature  of  my  business  in  that  locality,  but  finding  me  an  innocent,  straight- 
forward Kentuckian,  he  came  to  the  conclusion  that  I  was  all  right.  But  lie 
also  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  I  was  old  enough  to  be  in  the  army,  and 
bantered  me  considerably  upon  my  want  of  patriotism.  • "         ,' 

The  rebel  soldier's  clothes  which  I  wore  did  not  indicate  anything  more  thaa 
that  I  was  a  Kentuckian — for  theiV  cavalry  did  not  dress  in  any  particular 
uniform,  for  scarcely  two  of  them  dressed  alike — the  only  uniformity  being  that 
Ihey  most  generally  dressed  in  butternut  color. 

I  tried  to  make  my  escape  from  that  village  as  soon  as  possible,  but  jiist  as  I 
was  beginning  to  congratulate  myself  upon  my  god  fortune,  who  should  con- 
front me  but  Capt.  Logan.    Said  he; 

"See  here,  my  lad;  I  think  the  best  thing  you  can  do  is  to  join  a  Cdmpany 
that  is  just  forming  here  in  the  village,  and  will  leave  in  the  morning.  We  are 
giving  a  bounty  to  all  who  freely  enlist,  and  are  conscripting  those  who  refuse. 
Which  do  you  propose  to  do,  enlist  and  get  the  bounty,  or  refuse,  and  be  obliged 
to  go  without  anything." 

I  replied,  "I  think  I  shall  wait  a  few  days  before  I  decide." 

"But  we  can't  wait  for  you  to  decide,"  said  the  Captain;  "the  Yankee^  may  be 
upon  us  any  moment,  for  we  are  not  far  from  their  lines,  and  we  will  leave  here 
either  to-night  or  in  the  morning  early.  I  will  give  you  two  hours  to  decide 
this  question,  and  in  the  meantime  you  must  be  put  under  guard." 

So  saying,  he  marched  me  back, with  him,  and  gave  me  in  charge  of  the 
guards.  In  two  or  three  hours  he  c^Cme  for  my  decision,  and  I  told  hiih  that  I 
had  concluded  to  wait  until  1  was  conscripted.  "Well,"  said  he,  "you  iHU  not 
have  long  to  wait  for  that,  so  you  may  consider  yourself  a  soldier  of  the  Con- 
loderacy  from  this  hour,  and  subject  to  military  discipline." 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       U5 

This  seem^  to  me  like  pretty  serious  business,  especially  sis  I  would  be  re- 
quired to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Confederate  Government. 

I  was  glad  to  find  that  it  was  a  company  of  cavalry  that  was  being  organized, 
for  if  I  could  once  get  on  a  good  horse  there  would  be  some  hope  of  my  escape. 
There  was  no  time  to  be  lost,  as  the  Captain  remarked,  for  the  Yankees  might 
make  a  dash  upon  us  at  any  moment;  consequently,  a  horse  and  saddle  was 
furnished  me,  and  everything  was  made  ready  for  a  start  immediately.  Ten 
o'clock  came,  and  we  had  liot  yet  started.  The  Captain  finally  concluded  that, 
as  everything  seemed  quiet,  we  would  not  start  until  daylight  ■  t: 

We  had  traveled  about  half  an  hour,  when  we  suddenly  encountered  a  recon- 
noitering  party  of  the  Federals,  cavalry  in  advance  and  infantry  in  the  tear. 
A  contest  soon  commenced;  we  were  ordered  to  advance  in  line,  which  we  did, 
until  we  came  within  a  few  yards  of  the  Yankees.  ;'-  , 

The  company  advanced,  but  my  horse  suddenly  became  unmanageable,  and 
it  required  a  second  or  two  to  bring  him  right  again;  and  before  I  could  overtake 
the  company  and  get  in  line  the  contending  parties  had  met  in  a  hand-to-hand 
fight. 

All  were  engaged,  so  that  when  I,  by  accident,  ^ot  on  the  Federal  side  of  the 
line,  none  observed  me  for  several  minutes,  except  the  Federal  oflScer,  who  had 
recognized  me  and  signed  to  me  to  fall  in  next  to  him.  That  brought  me  face  to 
face  with  my  rebel  Captain.    I  discharged  the  contents  of  my  pistol  in  his  face. 

This  act  made  me  the  center  of  attraction.  Every  rebel  seemed  determined  to 
have  the  pleasure  of  killing  me  first,  and  a  simultaneous  dash  was  made  toward 
me,  and  numerous  saber-strokes  aimed  at  my  head.  Our  men  with  one  accord 
rushed  between  me  and  the  enemy,  and  warded  off  the  blows  with  their  sabers, 
and  attacked  them  with  such  fury  that  they  were  driven  back  several  rods. 

The  infantry  now  came  up  and  deployed  as  skirmishers,  and  succeeded  in 
getting  a  position  where  they  had  a  complete  cross-fire  on  the  rebels,  and  poured 
in  volley  after  volley  until  nearly  half  their  number  lay  upon  the  ground.  Find- 
ing it  useless  to  fight  longer  at  such  a  disadvantage,  they  turned  and  fled,  leav- 
ing behind  them  11  killed,  29  wounded,  and  17  prisoners. 

The  Confederate  Captain  was  wounded  badly,  but  not  mortally.  Our  men 
suffered  considerable  loss  before  the  infantry  came  up,  but  afterward  scarcely 
lost  a  man.    I  escaped  without  receiving  a  scratch. 


s 


'cUjriA;^s!,  ----i-r,; .  i^s.: 


-  ^       1.1  -    ■  ■  f  [V- 


146  KURSE   AND   SPY. 


.       \  ......       ^  -      ...      ..     .-.    ■-      •  ■■     ■:      fr.-.'i> 

.   ''    ■"  ..  -CHAPTER   XXV.    •/  v    ;.' :     V-    ...:.<■  ' 

Appointed  Detective — I  Visit  Louisville^— Secesh  Acquaintances — Seeking 
Employment — Peddling — Rebel  Spies— Acting  as  Clerk— Trapping  Spies. 
Start  for  Vicksburg — Pro-Slaverv  Troops — Cruelty  to  Negroes — Visiting 
Hospitals — Touching  Scenes — An  ArmleisS  Soldier— Patient  Suffer- 
ing— Triumphant  Death — Rally  'Round  the  Flag— Western  Chaplains. 
Soldiers'  Testimony— Effect  of  Prayer  in  Battle— Carrying  the  Wounded. 

Being  prohibited  from  further  explorations  in  that  region  outside  of  our  iines, 
I  was  appointed  to  act  as  detective  inside  of  the  Unes,  as  there  were  many  spies 
in  our  midst  who  were  daily  gi^'ing  information  to  the  enemy,  and  had  baffled  all 
attempts  at  discovery. 

I  forthwith  dressed  in  citizen's  clothes  and  proceeded  to  Louisville,  and  there 
mingled  freely  with  the  citizens,  visited  the  different  places  of  pubUc  resort, 
and  made  many  secesh  acquaintances. 

At  length  I  found  a  merchant  who  was  the  most  bitter  in  his  denunciations  of 
the  Yankees  that  it  has  ever  been  my  lot  to  meet,  and  I  thought  he  would  be  a 
pretty  good  person  to  assist  me  in  my  undertakings.  Stepping  into  his  stote 
one  morning  I  inquired  if  he  was  in  need  of  a  clerk.  He  repUed  that  he  would 
require  help  in  a  few  days,  as  one  of  his  clerks  was  going  to  leave. 

Then  came  the  interrogatory  process.  Who  was  I,  where  did  I  come  from, 
and  what  had  brought  me  to  that  city?  Well,  I  was  a  foreigner,  and  wishing 
to  see  &  little  of  this  great  American  War,  I  had  come  "down  South;"  and  now 
that  I  was  here,  fmding  myself  scarce  of  money,  I  would  like  to  fmd  sonie  etn- 
ployment.  This  was  literally  true.  I  was  a  foreigner,  and  very  often  scarce 
of  money,  and  really  wished  him  to  empby  ma 

He  finally  told  me  that  I  might  come  in  the  course  of  a  week;  but  that  did  not 
suit  my  purpose,  so  I  told  him  I  would  rather  come  at  once,  as  I  would  be  learn- 
ing considerable  before  the  other  clerk  went  away;  adding  that  he  might  give 
me  just  whatever  he  pleased  for  the  first  week's  work.  That  seemed  to  suit 
him,  and  I  was  at  once  set  to  work.  '' 

After  I  had  been  there  several  days,  I  was  asked  how  I  would  Uke  to  go  out  to 
the  nearest  camp  and  sell  some  small  articles  to  the  soldiers.  I  would  like  it 
much;  so  was  sent  accordingly  witli  an  assortment  of  pocket  knives,  combs  and 
suspietiders.  By  the  middle  of  the  afternoon  I  had  sold  out  my  stock  in  trade, 
returned  to  the  store,  and  gave  a  good  account  of  myself  and  of  the  goods 
entrusted  to  my  care.  j 

My  employer  W£is  pleased  with  my  success  aiid  seemed  interested  in  ine,  and 
each  day  brought  some  new  proof  of  his  confidence.  Things  went  oft  thlfe  way 
for  two  weeks,  in  which  time  I  h&d  succeeded,  by  the  good  nierchan-fs  &s^t- 
KDCt,  in  finding  a  clueto  three  rebel  spies  then  Within  our  Hu6&    -     '     ' '     '^ 


:>■■     ■    . 


ADVENTtTRES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       147 

I  was  often  questioned  by  my  employer  with  regard  to  my  political  senti- 
ments, but  of  course  I  did  not  know  anything  about  poUtics— in  fact  I  hardly 
knew  how  to  apply  the  terms  Federal  and  Confederate,  and  often  misapplied 
them  when  talking  in  the  store,  and  was  frequmtly  told  that  I  must  not  call  the 
d— d  Yankees  Confederates,  and  all  due  pains  were  taken  to  instruct  me,  and 
give  me  a  proper  insight  into  the  true  state  of  affairs,  as  seen  by  Southehr 
secessionists. 

At  last  I  expressed  a  desire  to  enter  the  Confederate  service,  and  asked  the 
merchant  how  I  should  manage  to  get  through  the  Yankee  lines  if  I  should 
decide  to  take  such  a  step.  After  a  long  conversation,  and  much  planning, 
we  at  last  decided  that  I  should  go  through  our  fines  the  next  night  with  a 
person  who  was  considered  by  our  troops  a  thorough  Union  maxx,  as  he  had 
taken  the  oath  of  all^iance  to  the  Federal  Government— but  who  was  in  reality 
a  rebel  spy.       • 

That  afternoon  I  wa^  sent  out  again  to  dispose  of  slome  goods  to  the  soldiers, 
and  while  I  was  gone  took  tl!e"favorable  opportunity  of  informipg:  the  Provost- 
Marshal  of  my  intended  escape  the  following  night  together  with  my  brothM: 

spy. 

.  After  telling  him  that  I  might  not  be  able  to  leave  the  store.again  with  any 
more  definite  inforpiation  without  incurring  suspicion,  and  that  he  had  better 
send. some  one  to  the  store  at  a  certain  hour  the  next  day  to  purchase  some 
irifie,  so  that  I  might  inclose  in  ^he  parcel  the  necessary  information,  I  went 
back  to  the  store,  emd  my  clever  employer  told  me  that.  I  had  better  not  trouble 
myself  any  more  about  anything,  but  get  ready  for  my  journey.  Having  but 
little  preparation  to  make,  however,  I  soon  returned  to  the  store. 
. .  N*t  k>ng  after  a  gentleman  came  iiv,  to  whom  I  was  introduced,  and  was  told 
that  this  was  the  person  who  proposed  to  conduct  me  through  the  lines.  He 
was  not  announced  in  his  true  character,  but  I  ui^de^stood  at  ohce  that  this 
gentlemanly  personage  was  no  less  than  the  spy  before  referred  to.  He  ques- 
tioned me  pretty  sharply,  but  I  being  "slow  of  speech,"  referred  liim  to  the 
merchant,  whose  eloquence. had  convinced,  me  of  juy  duty  tp>.;tbe  Southern 
-Confederacy.  ;■  ;.-' .-'  ,  .■  =,-...'/■■.•-  .■■.:  -■^^'-^i^Sr-V _;;■..':. ;  .  ^■^i'.ij* :,.»>?';.:" 
f.  -My  employer  stood  beside  me  and  gave  him  a  brief  history  of  our^u^uaint- 
ance  and  of  his  confidence  in  me;  also  of  his  own  peculiar  faculty  of  impressing 
the  truth  upon  unprejudiced  minds. 

:  The  spy  evidoitly  took  me  for  a  poor  gf een  .boy  .whom  the  merchant  had 
flattered  into  the  idea  of  becoming  a  soldier,  but  who  did  not  realize  the  re- 
sponsibiUty  of  my  position,  and  I  confirmed. him  in  that  opinion  by  saying, 
"Well,  I  suppose  if  I  don't  like  soldiering  they  will  let  me  go  home  again?" 

The  Provost-Marshal  himself  came  in  during  the  day,  an^  I. had  my. docu- 
ment ready,  informing  him  what  tim^  we  would  start  .and  what  direction  we 
were  to  take. 

The  night  came,  and  we  started  about  9. o.' clock. .  As  we  walked  along  to- 
ward the  rebel  lines  the  spy  seemed  to  think  that  I  was  a  true  patriot  in  th« 


■>•;  ■ 

■'  ■. 

•>■     -.^A^ 

'.■-   ■     ■•'■'-   ■-■■       '- 

T  \ 

/*•'. 

pr  •■ 

...^, 

148  NtJRSE   AND  SPY.         :    '       ^^       * 

rebel  cause,  for  he  entertained  me  with  a  long  conversation  concerning  His 
exploits  in  the  secret  service;  and  of  the  other  two  who  t^rere  still  in  camp,  he 
said  one  of  them  w«is  a  sutler,  and  the  other  sold  photographs  of  our  Gm«rals. 

We  were  pursuing  our  way  in  the  darkness,  talking  in  a  low,  confidfflitial 
tone,  when  suddenly  a  number  of  cavalry  dashed  upon  us  and  toqV:  us  both 
prisoners.  As  soon  as  we  were  captured  we  were  searched,  and  documents  % 
found  on  my  companion  which  condemned  him  as  a  spy.  We  were  then  march- 
ed back  to  Louisville  and  put  under  guard.  The  next  morning  he  wa9  taken 
care  of,  and  I  was  sent  to  Gen.  M 's  Headquarters.         .  i     '  *' 

The  next  thing  to  be  done  was  to  find  the  other  two  spies.  The  sutler  was 
found  and  put  under  arrest,  and  his  goods  confiscated,  but  the  dealer  in  photo- 
graphs had  made  his  escape. 

I  never  dared  go  back  to  Louisville  again,  for  I  had  ample  reason  to  believe 
that  my  life  would  pay  the  penalty  if  I  did. 

About  this  time  the  Ninth  Corps  was  ordered  to  Vicksmirg,  where  G«o. 
Grant  had  already  commenced  his  siege.  While  th»  troops  waited  at  the 
depot  for  transportation  a  little  incident  occurred  which  illustrates  the  spbit 
of  the  Kentucky  soldiers  on  the  slave  question. 

Two  of  our  Kentucky  regiments  were  stationed  as  guards  at  the  depot,  and 
on  this  occasion  were  amusing  themselves  by  throwing  stones  at  every  poor 
negro  who  had  occasion  to  pass  withm  a  stone's  throw  of  them.  ni 

A  Michigan  regiment  marched  into  the  depot  on  its  way  to  Vickshurg ,  and 
along  with  it  some  smart,  saucy  darkies,  in  the  capacity  of  servants. ;  The- 
native  soldiers  began  the  same  game  with  them,  by  throwing  stones  at  and' 
abusing  them;  but  the  Michigan  mm  informed  them  that  "if  they  did  not  st(^'. 
that  kind  of  business  immediately  they  would  find  more  work  on  hand  than 
they  could  attend  to,"  as  they  considered  their  servants  anecessary  part  ofthw 
regiment,  and  would  not  permit  them  to  be  abused  or  insulted  any  mwe  than>it 
they  were  white  men.  .     c   r        •         v 

This  gave  rise  to  a  warm  discussion  between  the  troops,  and  ended  in  tiie ' 
Kcntiickians  forbidding  and  prohibiting  the  different  regiments  from  taking 
a  negro  with  them  from  the  State  under  any  circumstances.    Of' course,  this 
incensed  our  patriotic  troops,  and  in  five  minutes  they  were  in  line  of  battle-' 
arrayed  against  their  pro-slavery  brethren  in  arms.    But  brfore  blood  was- 
shed  the  commander  of  the  post  was  informed,  and  hastened  to  the  spot  to 
prevent  further  mischief.    When  the  case  was  fully  made  known  to  him  he 
could  not  settle  the  matter,  for  he  was  a  Kmtuckian  by  birth,  and  his  sytn-' 
pathies  were  with  the  native  troops;  yet  he  knew  if  he  should  decide  in  their 
favor  that  a  bloody  fight  would  be  the  consequence,  as  the  troops  still  remained 
in  hne  of  battle  awaiting  the  decision  of  the  commander.    He  finally  told  ihtm 
that  they  must  Remain  there  until  he  telegraphed  to  the  Headquarters  of  the 
Department  and  received  an  answer.    Consequently  the  troops  were  detained 
two  days,  waiting  for  the  dispatch  that  would  decide  the  contest.    The  moi 
became  tired  of  the  fun  and  marched  back  to  cam^k     ;    t.    ^  ■-.... 


-!■    ■ 


.:£ 


^m. 


ADVEKlrtlBES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  TTNIOIT  SOLDIEB.      14» 

In  consequence  of  this  aSaii  {he  poor  negroes  fared  worse  than  ever,  and  the 
troops  had  no  sooner  gone  betck  to  camp  than  the  Kentuckians  swore  they 
vtoxM  hang  every  "nigger"  that  came  into  their  camp. 

During^e  day  I  was  passing  tiirough  thedepot,  and  saw  a  little  black  urchin 
selling  cakes  and  pies,  who  had  no  sooner  made  his  appearance  than  the  guards 
took  his  ba^et  away  from  him.  The  boy  commenced  to  cry,  when  four  of  the 
soldiers  took  hold  of  him,  each  one  t^ing  hold  of  a  hand  or  foot,  and  pulled 
him  almost  limb  from  limh— just  as  I  have  seen  cruel  schoolboys  torture  frogs. 
When  they  tiitew  him  on  the  ground  he  could  neither  speak,  cry,  nor  walk, 
but  there  he  lay  a  little  quivering,  convulsive  heap  of  pain  and  misery.  :;    f:- 

The  tel^ram  came  at  last,  and  the  troops  w^e  permitted  to  depart  in  peao^ 
taking  with  them  their  colored  friends,  to  the  chagrin  of  the  Kentucky  guards. 

Before  reaching  Vicksburg  I  visited  several  hospitals  where  the  wounded 
had  be«i  Iwought  from  those  terrible  battles  preceding  the  siege  of  Vicksburg, 
where  thousands  lay,  with  all  conceivable  sorts  of  wounds. 

Several  t  saw  without  either  arms  or  leg^,  having  been  tornand  mangled  by 
shell  so  that  it  was  impossible  to  save  even  a  single  limb— and  yet  they  lived, 
and  wouW  probably  recover.       :     -  ;';rti^,      ■•  ?f;:     • 

One  handsome  young  man  lay  on  one  of  the  hospital  boats,  who  had  loist  both 
arms — a  most  noble  specimen  of  the  patient,  cheerful,  suffering  soldier. 

Of  this  young  man  the  Rev.  Mr.  Savage  writes:  "There  he  lay  upon  his  cot, 
armless,  and  knowing  that  this  must  be  his  condition  through  Uf  e;  but  yet  with 
a  cheerful,  happy  countenance,  and  not  a  single  word  of  complaint.  I  minister 
cd  to  his  wants,  and  as  I  cut  up  fruit  in  mouthfuls*  and  put  them  in  his  mouth, 
he  would  say,  'Well,  now,  how  good  that  is!  Ho^  kind  of  ^ou!  The  Lord 
will  bless  you  for  it  I  dcoi't  see  why  ywi  ^e  so  kind  to  me. «  As  if  any  one 
could  be  too  kind  to  a  man  who  had  suffered  such  a  loss  in  defense  of  his  country. 
His  soul  i5ce:nc  J  to  be  resting  peacefully  up<m  Jesus  amid  all  his  great  suff wings. 
One  thing  touched  me  exceedingly:  As  I  spoke  of  his  f  eeUi^s,  the  tears  coursed 
down  his  checks  and  lay  upon  them.  He  had  no  hands  with  which  even  to 
wipe  away  the  tears  from  his  own  face;  and  as  I  took  a  handkerchief  and  ten- 
derly pwfomied  this  office,  that  beautiful  passage  of  scripture  occurred  to  mi 
with  a  force  it  iiever  did  before:  'tod  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  thdr 
ey«9i'",      •      • 

Near-by  lay  another  young  man,  an  officer,  mortally  wounded— fast  breath- 
ing his  life  away;  he  seemed  unconscious  of  his  dying  state.  Tasked  the 
nurse,  in  a  low  whisper,  if  he  knew  he  was  dying,  but  before  the  nurse  could 
reply,  he  looked  up  with  a  anile,  and  siAd:  "Yes,  yes,  I  know  it.  Praise  God! 
there  is  not  a  cloud  betweai  my  soul  and  Jesus.  I  am  waiting— I— waiting 
— <-."  These  were  his  last  words.  A  few  moments  more  and  his  tongue  was 
slent  in  death.         ••  "* o  >        '   "  '     •      :>•■-'- 

>  .,,:.,^^.,  ,-..^'  ,^.    ■.■,.;  ■•     ;.^.  •:.;'■  .r^. 

'■;;,    -x         :■;■   But- he's  gone  to  rest  in  heaven  abov«h         .. ';  ^ 
To  sing  bis  Saviour's  praisd. 


"V: 


s..;. 


MO  NUESE    AND   SPY. 

One  of  the  military  agciits  at  Nashville  relates  a  most  thrilling  incident, 
which  he  witnessed  in  a  hospital  at  that  place.    He  says: 

"Last  evening,  when  passing  by  the  Post  Hospital,  my  attention  was  arrested 
by  the  singing,  in  rather  a  loud  voice,  of  'Rally  round  the  flag,  boys',  by  one  of 
the  patients  inside.  While  listening  to  the  beautiful  music  of  that  popular 
song,  I  observed  to  a  nurse  standing  in  the  doorway,  that  the  person  singing 
must  be  in  a  very  merry  mood,  and  could  not  be  very  sick.  'You  are  mis- 
taken,' said  he;  'the  pcor  fellow  engaged  in  singing  that  good  old  A>ng  is  now 
grappling  with  death — has  been  dying  all  day.  I  am  his  nurse,'  he  continued, 
'and  the  scene  so  affected  me  that  I  was  obliged  to  leave  the  room.  He  is  just 
about  breathing  his  last.' 

"I  stepped  into  the  ward,  and,  true  enough,  the  brave  man  wps  near  his  end. 
His  eyes  were  .already  fixed  in  death.  He  was  struggling  with  all  his  remain- 
ing strength  against  the  grim  monster,  while  at  the  sjimp  time  there  gushed 
forth  from  his  patriotic  soul  incoherently  the  words:  'Rally  round  the  flag, 
boys,'  which  liad  so  often  cheered  him  through  his  wes^ry  march,  and  braced  , 
him  up  when  entering  the  field  of  blood  in  defense  of  his  country. 

Finally  he  sank  away  into  his  death-slumber,  and  joined  his  Maker's  com- 
mand, that  is  marching  onward  to  that  far-off,  better  land.  The  last  audible 
sound  that  escaped  his  lips  was,  'Rally,  boys,  rally  once  again!'  As  his  eyes 
were  closing,  some  dozen  of  his  comrades  joined  in  a  solemn,  yet  beautiful 
hsmin,  appropriate  to  the  occasion.  Take  it  altogether,  this  was  one  of  the 
most  affecting  scenes  I  have  ever  witnessed  in  a  hospital.  It  drew  tears  copi- 
ously from  near  lOu  of  us.  It  occurred  in  the  large  ward  which  occupies  the 
entire  body  of  the  church  on  Cherry  street.  The  deceased  was  an  lUinoisan, 
and  had  been  wQunded  in  one  of  the  recent  skirmishes." 

I  noticed  in  the  Western  Department  that  the  Chaplains  were  much  more 
faithful  to  their  trust,  and  attentive  to  the  sick  and  wounded,  than  the  Chaplains 
in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac — taking  them  as  a  class.  j.^ '  .,    - 

One  man  in  speaking  of  his  Chaplain  said:  "He  is  one  of  the  best  men  in 
the  world;  he  has  a  temperance  meeting  once  a  week,  a  prayer  meeting  twice 
a -week,  and  other  meetings  as  he  is  able  to  hold  them;  and  i\i<sa  he  labors 
personally  among  the  men.  He  also  comforts-the  sick  and  dying.  I  saw  him 
with  one  of  our  comrades  before  he  died,  watching  and  prayVg  with  him; 
and  when  he  died,  he  closed  his  eyes  and  prepared  him  for  the  grave  with  his 
own  hands." 

Another  said:  "Over  at  Frederickstown,  as  our  lines  were  beginning  to  give 
way,  and  many  thought  the  day  was  lost,  our  Chaplain  stepped  right  out  from 
the  ranks,  between  us  and  the  enemy's  lines,  knelt  down  upon  the  ground,  and 
lifted  up  his  voice  in  most  earnest  prayer  to  God  for  divine  help  in  that  hour  of 
need.  I  never  felt  so  in  all  my  life  as  I  did  at  that  moment.  An  inspiration, 
as  from  God,  seemed  to  seize  u5  all;  we  rallied,  charged,  drove  the  enemy  before 
us,  and  gained  the  important  victory  at  Frederick^^own,  which  perhaps  has 
saved  to  us  the  State  of  Mississippi."  -     '     t 


sv-  V. 


,.  :  ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN.  AB  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       J51 

And  y^  another  soldier  gave  testimony  like  the  following,  with  regard  to  a 
Chaplain  who  ha<i  followed  his  regiment  through  every  battle  in  which  it  had 
participated.  Said  be:  "He  was  with  us  day  after  day,  and  as  soon  as  a  man 
fell  wottnded,  he  would  take  him  up  in  his  arms  and  carry  him  out  where  the 
Surgeon  could  take  care  of  him;  and  the  last  day  I  saw  him,  his  clothes,  from 
head  to  foot,  were  literally  dripping  with  the  blood  of  dead  and  wounded  m«i 
that  he  had  carried  from  the  battlefield." 

This  noble  Chaplain  reminds  me  of  a  brave  soldier  in  the  ArmV  of  the  Poto- 
mac, who  was  in  the  hottest  of  the  battle  at  Antietam,  where  the  bullets  were 
sweeping  like  death-hail  through  the  ranks.  The  line  wavered;  there  were 
strong  symptoms  of  falling  back  on  the  part  of  his  regiment.  Tlug  man  rushed 
toward  the  color-bearer,  who  stood  hesitating,  seized  the  standara  ahd  adivanced 
with  firm  and  rapid  st«p  several  paces  in  front  of  the  foremost  man;  then  thrust- 
ing down  the  flag-staff  into  the  ground  he  looked  up  at  the  baimer,  thfin  at  the 
wavering  line,  and  said:  ''There,  boys;  come  up  to  that!" 


^■ 


» 


V 


CHAPTER  XXYL 


♦.*-■* 


A  Unionist  from  the  Rebel  Army — His  Testimony — Southern  Hospitals! 
Patriotism— ^Female  Recruiting — Crinoline— "Sw'eet  Little  Man*^'— Con- 
federate Sj'siem — Nqrth  and  iSouth  Contrasted — Rebel  Impresstnent — Bro- 
thers' Cruelty — Dying  for  the  Union — Fate  of  a  Tennessee  Patriot— On  the 
Mississippi— -Inirtsible  Attraction — An  Important  Question^Moral  Sub- 
limity—Contraband's Jubilee.  «  .'      •  ' 

I  .      ■  .  ■ 

.....  -   ..^,  .^ 

At  one  of  the  hospitals  near  Vicksburg  I  met  a  man  who  had  served  a  year 
in  the  Confederate  army,  having  been  conscripted  by  the  rebels,  and  remained 
that  length  of  time  before  he  found  an  opportunity  to  escape. 

He  was  an  educated  and  highly  intelligent  young  man,  and  it  was  deeply 
intetesting  to  listen  to  his  account  of  the  Southern  side  of  this  rebellion.  He 
told  me  that  the  Southern  people,  and  especially  the  ladies,  were  much  more 
patriotic  than  the  people  of  the  North.       v  -'v.  %    ;  "        '         "•   ^  ■' i^     : 

After  a  battle,  ihe  citizens,  both  men  and  women,  come  with  one  accord 
to  assist  in  taking  care  of  the  wounded;  bringing  with  them,  gratuitously, 
every  article  of  comfort  and  convenience  that  their  means  will  admit  and  the^r 
patriotism  suggest.        __        i.       v   v :     "  y  4"^-^  ;^  ¥>' •       '     ' ?'- V'f  *  ^ ^     '" 

Farmers  come  to  the  hospitals  with  loads  of  provisitms,  >  tuid  the  women 
come  wi|h  fruits,  wines,  iellies,  etcs  and  cheerfully  submit  to  the  lieirdships 
and  fatigue  of  hospital  labor  without  the  slightest  femunnation.    Said  he:  - 
"The  women  down  South  are  the  best  recruiting  officers,  for  they  absolutely 
rdfuse  to  tolerate,  or  admit  to  their  society,  any  yoimg  man  who  rafuses  to 


;^.:,.  .----•  ■■  -^-^-^--v^-- 


,  •'■■/!> 


Z' 


1S8  NURSE   AND    SPY. 

V 

enlist;  and  very  often  send  their  lovers,  who  have  not  enlisted,  skirts  and  crino- 
line, ^vith  a  note  attached,  suggesting  the  appropriateness  of  such  a  costiune 
unless  they  donned  the  Confederate  uniform  at  once." 

I  have  often  thought  of  this  trait  of  the  Southern  ladies'  character,  and  con- 
trasted it  with  the  flattering  receptions  so  lavishly  bestowed  upon  our  able- 
bodied  home  guards  by  the  New  England  fair  ones  who  profess  to  love  the  old 
flag  and  despise  its  enemies.  And  I  have  wondered  if  an  extensive  donation 
of  "crinoline"  wouldnot  be  more  effectual  in  filling  up  our  ranks,  than  graceful 
bows  and  bewitching  smiles.  And  I  would  mildly  suggest  that  each  pewjkage 
of  crinoline  be  accompanied  by  the  following  appropriate  lines: 

Now,  while  our  soldiers  are  fighting  our  battles, 

Each  at  his  post  to  do  all  that  he  can, 
Down  among  rebels  and  contraband  chattels^ 

What  are  you  doing,  my  sweet  little  man? 

All  the  brave  boys  under  canvas  are  sleeping,        ^  •    , 

All  of  them  pressing  to  march  with  the  van. 
Far  fronr  their  homes  where  their  sweethearts  are  weeping; 

What  are  jou  waiting  for,  sweet  little  man? 

Yon,  with  the  terrible  warlike  mustaches,  •  • 

Fit  for  a  Colonel  or  chief  of  a  clan,  ■'^ 

You  with  the  waist  made  for  sword-belts  and  sashes, 
Wiiere  are  your  shoulder-straps,  sweet  little  man? 

We  send  you  thd  buttonless  garm^ts  of  women!  . 

Cover  >our  face  lost  it  freckle  or  tan;  ■ 

Muster  tlie  apron-string  guards  on  the  common  -  ' 

That  is  the  corps  for  the  sweet  little  man. 

AH  the  fair  maidens  about  him  shall  cluster,  >  x: 

Pkuk  the  white  feathers  from  bonnet  and  fan,  ' 

Make  him  a  plume  like  a  turkey-wing  duster —  ' 

That  is  the  crest  for  the  sweet  little  man.  .  . 

Give  liim  for  escort  a  file  of  young  misses,  /       ' 

Each  of  them  armed  with  a  deadly  rattan. 
They  shall  defend  him  from  laughter  and  hisses  *  .  -'] 

.  Aimed  by  low  boys  at  the  sweet  little  man.  ' 

And  now,  while  I  am  contrasting  the  conduct  of  the  North  and  South,  I  may 
as  well  give  another  testimony  in  favor  of  the  Confederate  system. 
The  following  testimony  comes  from  one  who  has  served  in  the  rebel  army 


1  ^ 


-      '        \"  '^   '  - 

ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       153 

in  the  capacity  of  Surgeon.  He  says:  "The  Confederate  military  authorities 
have  complete  control  of  the  press,  so  that  nothing  is  ever  allowed  to  appear  in 
print  which  can  in  iiny  way  give  information  t6  the  North  or  prove  a  clue  to 
Southern  movements.  In  this  it  appears  to  me  that  they  have  an  unspeaka- 
ble advantage  over  the  North,  with  its  numberless  papers  and  hundreds  of 
correspondents  in  the  loyal  army.  With  what  the  correspondents 
tell  and  surmise,  and  what  the  Confederates  find  out  through,  spies 
and  informers  of  various  kinds,  they  are  able  to  see  through  many  of  the 
plans  of  the  Union  forces  before  they  are  put  into  execution.  No  more  common 
remarks  did  I  hear  than  this  as  officers  were  reading  the  Northern  papers: 

'See  what  d — d  fools  those  Yankees  are.    Gen.  A has  left  B for  C . 

We  will  cut  him  off.  Why  the  Northern  Generals  or  the  Secretary  of  War 
tolerate  this  freedom  of  news  we  cannot  imagine.'" 

And  he  further  adds:  "Every  daily  paper  I  have  read  since  I  came  North 
has  contained  information,  either  by  direct  statement  or  implication,  by  v.'hich 
the  enemy  can  profit.  If  we  meant  to  play  into  the  hands  of  tlic  rebels,  we 
could  hardly  do  it  more  successfully  than  our  papers  arc  doin^  i!  daily.  Sure 
am  I  that  if  a  Southern  paj^er  contained  .such  information  of  Uu  i-  movements 
as  do  the  Northern  of  ours,  the'cditor's  neck  would  not  be  sate  an  hour.  But 
some  will  say:  'We  often  see  iurormation  quoted  from  the  Southern  papers 
of  their  movements.'  Never,  until  the  movement  has  been  carried  ou  t.  It  is 
always  safe  to  conclude,  if  you  see  irta  Southern  paper  any  staten\ent  with  re- 
gard to  the  movement  of  troops,  or  tliat  the  army  is  about  to  do  a  certain  thing, 
that  it  will  not  be  done,  but  something  different." 

Freedom  of  opinion  and  of  the  press  is  certainly  a  precious  boon,  but  wlien 
it  endangers  the  lives  of  pur  soldiers  and  frustrates  the  plans  of  our  Govern- 
ment, surely  it  is  time  to  aiiopt  measures  to  control  it,  just  as  much  as  it  is 
necessary  to  arrest  the  spies  who  come  within  our  lines. 

Another  relates  the  following  toucliing  incident  of  the  Southern  style  of 
increasing  their  army  and  punishing  offenders:  ''When  the  rebels  were  raising 
a  force  in  eastern  Tennessee,  two  brothers  by  the  name  of  Rowland  volun- 
teered. A  younger  brother  was  a  Union  man.  and  refusing  to  enlist,  was  seized 
and  forced  into  the  army.  He  constantly  protested  against  his  impressment, 
but  without  avail.  He  then  warned  them  that  he  would  desert  the  first  oppor- 
tunity, as  he  would  not  fight  against  the  cause  of  right  and  good  government. 
They  were  inexorable,  and  he  was  torn  from  his  family  and*  hurried  to  the 
field:  , 

'"At  the  battle  of  Fort  Donelson  Rowland  escaped  from  the  rebels  in  the  second 
day's  fight,  and  immediately  jouied  the  loyal  army.  Though  now  to  fight 
against  his  own  brothers,  he  felt  that  he  was  in  a  righteous  cause,  and  con- 
tending for  a  \T0.  thy  end.  In  the  battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing  be  was  taken 
prisoner  by  the  very  regiment  to  which  he  had'  formerly  belonged.  This  scaled 
his  fate.  Ou  liis  way  1»  Corinth  several  of  his  old  comrades,  among  them  his 
two  brothers,  attempted  to  kill  him,  one  of  them  nearly  rumiing  him  tluough 


ISl 


NURSE   AND  SPY. 


with  a  bayonet.  He  was,  howevw,  rescued  by  the  guard,  Mid  brought  to 
camp. 

-  "Three  days  after  the  retreating  army  had  reached  Corinth,  <jf eh.  Harde«, 
in  whose  division  was  the  regunent  claiming  this  mt^n  as  a  deserter,  gave 
orders  to  have  Rowlajid  executed.  About  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  same 
day,  some  10,000  Tennessee  troops  were  drawn  up  in  two  parallel  lihte,  fadng 
inward,  300  yards  apart.  The  doomed  man,  surrounded  by  the  guard  de- 
tailed from  his  own  regiment  to  shoot  him,  marched  with  a  firm  sttep  into  the 
middle  of  the  space  between  the  two  lines  of  troops.  Here  his  grave  was  edready 
dug,  and  a  black  pine  coffin  lay  beside  it  No  min'ster  of  religion  offered  to 
direct  his  thoughta  to  a  gracious  Saviour. 

"The  sentence  was  read,  and  he  was  asked  if  he  had  anything  to  say'why  it 
should  not  be  executed.  He  spoke  in  a  firm,  decided  tone,  in  a  voice  which 
could  be  heard  by  many  hundreds,  and  nearly  in  the  following  words: 
"  "'Fellow-soldiers,  Tennesseeans,  I  was  forced  into  Southern  service  against 
my  will,  and  against  my  coiiscience.  I  told  them  1  would  desert  the  first  oppor- 
tunity I  found,  and  1  did  it.  I  was  always  a  Union  man,  and'^ever 
denied  it;  and  1  joined  the  Union  army  to  do  all  the  damage  I  could  to  the  Con- 
federates. I  believe  the  Union  cause  is  right,  and  will  triumph.  They  can 
kill  me  but  once,  and  I  am  not  afraid  to  die  in  a  good  cause.  My  only  request 
fe,  that' you  let  my  wife  and  family  know  that  I  died  in  supporting  my  princi- 
ples. My  brothers  there  would  shoot  me  if  they  had  a  chance,  but  I  forgive 
them.    Now  shoot  me  through  the  heart,  that  I  may  die  ihstantly.'    '      ' 

"After  Rowland  had  ceased  to  speak,  he  took  off  hat,  coat  and  neck-tie,  and 
laying  his  hand  on  his  heart,  he  said:  "Aim  here."  The  Sergeant  of  the 
Guard  advanced  to  tie  his  hands  and  blindfold  him.  He  ikSked  the  privilege 
of  standing  untied,  but  the  request  was  not  granted.  His  eyes  were  bandaged, 
he  knelt  upon  his  coffin  and  engaged  in  prayer  for  several  nihiutes,  and' then 
said  he  was  ready. 

"The  LieutCTiant  of  tJie  guard  then  gave  the  word,  Firel  and  24  muskets  were 
discharged.  When  the  smoke  lifted,  the  body  had  fallen  backward,  and  wa« 
still.  Several  bullets  had  passed  through  his  head,  and  some  through  his 
heart.  Hi^  body  was  tumbled  into  the  rough  pine  box,  and  was  buried  by.  the 
men  who  ishot  him."  '  ' '■  / : 

Such  was  the  fate  of  a  Tennessee  patriot  who  was  not  afraid  to  declare  Wa 
love  for  the  Union,  and  his  faith  in  its  final  triumph,  in  the  very  presence  of 
Seme  of  the  leading  traitors,  and  of  thousands  of  his  rebellious  countrymen, 
a  moment  before  sealing  his  patriotism  with'lis  blood.    .     .•••■• 

On  board  bf  a  transport,  on  the  Mississippi  River,  as  we  glided  toward  our 
destination,  I  sat  quietly  listening  to  the  variety  of  topics  which  was  being 
discussed  flround  me,  until  a  peculiarly  sweet  voice  caused  me  to  tum  and 
look  in  the  direction  from' whence  it  proceeded.'     '      '      '  i*^^^-  >..-.' 

Reader,  has  your  heart  ever  been  taken  by  storm,  in  cohsequenc'e  of  the  mere 
intonations  of  a  voice,  ere  you  beheki  th^  individual  who  gave  them  utterance? 


11 


t'-J'S 


m 


ADVENTUKES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       185 


On  this  occasion,  I  turned  and  saw  "one  of  God's  images  cut  in  ebony."  Time 
had  wrinkled  his  face,  and  the  frosts  of  four-score  Winters  iiad  whitened  his 
woolly  locks,  palsied  his  lirnbs,  and  dimmed  his  vision.  He  had  been  a  slave 
all  his  life",  and  now,  at  the  11th  hour,  when  "the  silver  cord  was  almost  loosed, 
and  Uie  golden  bowl  well  nigh  broken,"  he  was  liberated  from  bondage,  and 
was  rejoicing  in  freedom  from  slavery,  and  in  that  freedom  wherewith  Christ 
mskes  His  .children  free. 

By  some  invisible  attraction,  a  large  crowd  gathered  around  this  old,  de- 
crepid  slave,  and  every  eye  was  fixed  upon  his  sable,  withered  face,  as  he  g&jn 
a  brief  and  touching  history  of  his  ^lave  life. 

When  he  had  finished  the  ^Idiers  eagerly  began  to  ask  questi(His,  but  stt^ 
denly  the  old  colored  man  turned  querist,  and  raising  himself  up,  and  leaning 
forward  toward  the  crowd,  he  asked,  in  a  voice  strangely  thrilling  andsoledhi, 
"Are  any  of  you  soldiers  of  the  Lord  Jestis  Christ?* 

One  looked  at  arK>ther  with  evident  embarrassment;  but  at  length  some  one 
stammered  out:  "We  don't  know  exaxitly;  that  js  a  hard  question,  Unde.* 
"Oh,  no,"  said  he,  "dat  is  not  a  hard  jquestion;  if  you  be  soldiers  of  Christ  you 
know  it,  you  must  know  it;  de  Lord  does  not  do  His  work  so  poorly  dat  His 
people  don't  know  when  it's  done.  Now  jes'  let  me  say  a  word  more:  Dear 
soldiers,  before  eber  you  lebe  dis  boat,  before  eber  you  go  into  iuioder  battle, 
enlist  for  Je^us;  become  soldiers  ob  de  blessed  Redeemer,  and  you  are  safe; 
safe  when  de  battle  rages,  safe  .when  de  chills  ob  death  come,  safe  when  de 
world's  on  fire."  , 

One  of  the  men,  desirous  of  chfuigingthe  conversation,  said:  "Uncle,  are 
you  blind?"  He  replied:  "Oh,  no,  bless  de  Lord,  I  am  not  blind  to  de  tings  ob  de 
spirit.  I  see  by  an  eye  ob  faith  my  blessed  Saviour  sitting  at  de  right  hand  ob 
G(Ki,  and  I'll  soon  see  Him  more  clearly,  for  Jesus  loves  dis  old  blind  darky,  and 
will  soon  take- him  home."     ' 

Now,  when  we  talk  of  moral  sublimity  we  are  apt  to  point  to  Alexander  con- 
quering the  world,  to  Hannibal  surmounting  the  Alps,  to  C{p.sar  crossing  the 
Rubicon,  or  to  Lawrence  wrapping  himself  m  the  American  ^ag  and  crying 
"Don't  give  up  the  shipl"  But  in  my  opinion  here  was  a  specimen  of  moral 
sublimity  equal  to  anything  that  evet  graced  the  pages  of  history  or  was  ever 
exhibited  upon  a  battlefield,  a  poor  old,  blind,  palsied  slave,  resting  upon  the 
"Rock  of  -Ages,"  while  the  waves  of  affliction  dashed  like  mountains  at  hia 
feet;  yet,  looking  up  to  heayen,  and  trusting  in  the  great  Mid  precious  promises, 
he  gave  glory  to  Gocl,  and  triumphed  over  pain  and  <jisease,  rejoicing  even  in 
tribulation. 

While  the  old  slave  was  talking  to  the  soldiers  a  number  of  young  darkies 
came  forward,  and  when  the  conversation  ceased  they  all  struck  up  the  follow- 
ing, an4  sang  it  with  good  effect: 

•     ••  Oh,  prause  an'  tanks!    De  Lord  he  come  '  '     '^ 

,  To  set  de  people  free; 

An'  massa  tink  it  day  ob  dpoQ]^,      '<<> 

"■^       •  -V  ,     ■    :    ■    ;■        ;;■•::'      -'  •        '  ;       :  '  • 

'    "'■  '■      -  ;  "  ■-':■'■*.  \  •  ^  ■  '•         ''-i  '■ 

'•    ■.      --v      ^  -"  ■"■.    V    -    . '\.         ,-  •■"  ■. 'vU  :'■  /i-afc  ■■•'■■*.' '■       .  <^-:.-   ■■•.-:■:.■■■■■' 


(  . 


Ml  NflESE  Am>  BPY. 

An'  we  ob  jubilee. 
De  Lord  dat  heap  de  Red  Sea  waves, 

He  jes'  as  strong  as  den; 
He  say  de  word — we  las'  night  slaves, 

To-day  de  Lord's  free  men. 

Chorus —    De  yam  will  grow,  de  .cotton  blow,  ,    ' 

We'll  hab  de  rice  an'  com, 
0  nebber  you  fear  if  nebber  you  hear 
De  driber  blow  his  horn.  , 

• 
Ole  massa  on  his  trabbles  gone, 
«.  He  lebe  de  land  behind; 

De  Lord's  breff  blow  him  furder  on. 

Like  corn-shuck  in  de  wind.  '      ' 

We  own  de  hoe,  we  own  de  plow, 

We  own  de  hands  dat  hold; 
We  sell  de  pig,  we  sell  de  cow, 
But  neber  chile  be  sold. 

Chorus—    De  yam  will  grow,  etc. 

We  know  de  promise  nebber  fall,      ,  -;     •     - 

An'  nebber  lie  de  Word;  ,  -  .  \  ,     - 

So,  ^Uke  de 'postles  in  de  jail,  t-. 

,    We  waited  for  de  Lord.  ,     ]  ^ 

An'  now  He  open  ebery  doot,  •  ; 

An'  trow  away  de  key, 

He  tink  we  lub  Him  so  before^  ^ 

We  lub  Him  better  free.        ' 

C/?o^s— De  yam  will  grow,  etc.  , 

Then  a  collection  was  taken  up  among  the  soldiers  and  presented  to  the  old 
blind  colored  man,  who  wept  with  delight  as  he  received  it,  for  said  he:  "I 
hab  no  home,  no  money,  an'  no  friend,  but  de  Lord  Jesus."  ■ 


.      *  ;■   i  .s 


« 


V  ■  '*'   ■;  •  .-';     •  '■-•■■^'->f":--^^ 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       167 


CHAPTER  XXVn. 

Arrival  at  Vicksburg — Its  Surroundings — Grant's  Army*— Assault  on  the 
Rebel  Works— The  Seven  Color-Bearers— Pemberton's  Harangue— In  the 
Trenches — Sufferings  of  [the  Wounded — Pemberton's  Proposed  Capitula- 
tion— Grant's  Reply — Terms  of  Surrraider — Occupation  of  .the  City — Loss 
of  the  Enemy — Complimentary  Letter — Grant's  Success— Att«u;hment  of 
His  Soldiers— "Fighting  Dick"— Gold  Lace— Rebel  Sufferings— Sights 
in  Vicksburg — Incid^its  of  the  Si^e— Cave  Life. 

Our  troops  at  length  joined  Gen.  Grant's  army  near  Vicksburg,  where  those 
veterans  had  bem  digging  and  fighting  so  many  weeks. 

The  city  of  Vicksburg  is  nestled  among  numerous  terraced  hills,  and  would 
under  other  circumstances  present  a  magnificent  and  romantic  appearance; 
but  I  could  not  at  that  time  realize  its  beauty,  for  the  knowledge  of  the  suffer- 
ings and  distress  of  thousands  within  its  walls  detracted  materially  from  its 
outward   grandeur.  <^ 

The  enemy's  works  haA  consisted  of  a  series  of  redoubts  extending  from 
Haines'  Bluff  to  the  Warrraiton  road,  a  distance  of  some  10  miles.  It  was 
a  plateau,  upon  which  a  multitude  of  little  hills  seemed  to  have  been  sown 
broadcast,  giving  the  enemy  a  [position  from  which  it  could  sweep  every  neigh- 
boring crest  and  enfilade  every  approach.  But  the  rebels  had  already  been 
driven  from  this  positicm  after  a  severe  struggle. 

On  the  22d  of  May,  at  2  o'clock  in  the  morning,  heavy  guns  were  opened 
upon  the  rebel  works,  an(J  continued  until  10  o'clqpk,  when  a  desperate  assault 
was  made  by  three  corps  moving  simultaneously.  After  a  severe  engage- 
ment and  heavy  loss,  the  flag  of  the  7th  Mo.  was  planted  on  one  of  the  rebel 
parapets,  after  seven  color-bearers  had  been  shot  dQwn. 

After  this  contest  the  rebel  General,  Pemberton,  addressed  his  men  as  fol-  ' 
lows:  "You  have  heard  that  I  was  incompetent  and  a  traitor,  and  that  it  was 
my  intention  to  sell  Vicksburg.  Follow  me,  and  you  will  see  the  cost  at  which 
I  will  sell  Vicksburg.  When  the  last  pound  of  beef,  bacon  and  flour,  the  last 
grain  of  com,  ihe  last  cow  and  hog,  horse  and  dog  shall  have  been  consumed, 
and  the  last  man  shall  have  perished  in  the  trenches,  then,  and  not  till  then, 
will  I  sell  Vicksburg." 

It  became  evident  jthat  the  works  could  not  be  carried  by  assault,  and  that 
nothing  but  a  regular  iriege  could  reduce  the  fortifications. 

While  the  siege  was  in  progress  our  soldiers  endured  hardships,  privaticHis 
and  sufferings  which  words  can  but  inadequately  express.    Our  men  were  ' 
closely  packed  in  the  trenches,  often  in  water  to  the  knees,  and  not  daring  to 
lift  their  heads  above  the  brow  of  the  rifle-pits,  as  the  rebel  sharpshooters  lost 


,irj  ''■■fiii'i  •!   ''  vLiL^  -■  ■ ' ;,.  •,','.^  .'   ''       \:«  A.  ^•;-^ '.'<;-.:  A'i."LV:;.':;..ix  \\  ■ ;.    ■  i'^•^Si>^ 


118  -  NURSE   AND   SPY. 

no  time  in  saluting  every  unfortunate  head  which  made  its  appearance  above 
ground. 

The  sufferings  of  the  wounded  were  extreme.  Those  who  were  wounded 
during  the  day  in  the  trenches  nearest  the  city,  could  not  be  removed  until 
the  curtain  of  night  fell  upon  the  scene,  and  screened  them  from  the  vigilant 
eye  of  the  enemy. 

Gen.  Grant  steadily  approached  the  doomed  city  by  means  of  saps  and  mines, 
and  continued  to  blow  up  their  defenses,  until  it  was  evident  that  another 
day's  work  would  complete  the  capture  of  the  city.  •  "'    , 

f   Such  was  the  position  of  affairs  on  the  3d  of  July,  when  Gen.  Pemberton 
proposed  an  armistice  and  capitulation. 

Maj.-Gen.  Bowen,  of  the  Confederate  army,  was  the  bearer  of  a  dispatch 
to  Gen.  Grant,  under  a  flag  of  truce,  proposing  the  surrender  of  the  city,  which 
was  as  follows: 

Headquarters,   Vicksburg,   July  3,   1863. 
Maj.-Gen.  Grant,  commanding  United  States  forces. 

General:    I  have  the  honor  to  propose  to  you  an  armistice  for hours 

with  a  view  of  arranging  terms  for  the  capitulation  of  Vicksburg.  To  this 
end,  if  agreeable  to  you,  I  will  appoint  three  conunissioners  to  meet  a  like  num- 
ber to  be  named  by  yourself,  at  such  place  andf  hour  to-day  as  you  may  find  , 
convenient.  I  make  this  proposi  ion  to  save  the  further  effusion  of  blood, 
which  must  otherwise  be  shed  to  a  frightful  extent,  feeling  myself  fully  able 
to  maintain  my  position  for  a  yet  indefinite  period.  This  communication 
will  be  handed  to  you,  under  flag  of  truce,  by  Mai.-Gen.  James  Bowen.    \ 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.   C.   Pemberton.    .. 

»         "         'r      ' 

To  which  Gen.  Grent  replied:  -•,■.- 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Tennessee,     In  the  Field  near 

Vicksburg  July  3,  1863. 
Lieut. -Gen.  J.  C.  Pemberton,  commanding  Confederate  forces,  etc. 

General:  Your  note  of  this  date,  just  received,  proposes  an  arniistice 
of  several  hours  for  the  purpose  of  arranging  terms  of  capitulation,  through 
rx)ramissioners  to  be  appointed,  etc.  The  effusion  of  blood  you  propose  stop- 
ping by  this  course  can  be  ended  at  any  time  you  may  choose  by  an  uncon- 
ditional surrender  of  the  city  and  garrison.  Men  who  have  shown  so  much 
endurance  and  courage  as  those  now  in  Vicksburg,  will  always  challenge 
the  respect  of  an  adversary,  and,  I  can  assure  you,  will  be  treated  with  all  the 
respect  ru3  them  as  prisoners  of  war.  I  do  not  favor  the  proposition  of  appoint- 
ing coiimiissioners  to  arrange  .terms  of  capitulation,  because  I  have  no  other 
terms  than  those  indicated  'above. 

;  I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedieat  serVant,  *     •     .     i-. 

i  •;.;■.   !  •■  1    ':■■    '«     •"      ^  /    "■'    >  ,  U.  "S.  .GRANT.  < 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       159 

•  -•"'■,.■  .■"'.■- 

.Tli^n  the  iollqwing  document  was  maidc  put  by  Gen.  Grant,  and  submitted 
for    acceptance: 

General:  In  conformity  with  the  agreement  of  this  aftemooh,  I  wiD 
submit  the  following  proposition  for  the  surrender  of  the  city  of  Vicksburg, 
public  stores,  etc.  On  your  accepting  the  terms  proposed,  T  will  march  in 
one  division,  as  a  guard,  and  take  passession  at  8  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
As  soon  as  paroles  can  be  made  out  and  signed  by  the  officers  and  men,  you 
will  be  allowed  to  march  out  of  our  lines,  the  officers  taking  with  them  their 
regimental  clothing,. and  staff,  field  and  cavalry  officers  one  horse  each.  The 
rank  and  file  will  be  allowed  all  their  clothing,  but  no  other  property.  If  thesa 
conditions  are  accepted,  any  amount  of  rations  you  may  deem  necessary  c«m 
be  taken  from  the  stores  you  now  liave,  and  also  the  necessary  cooking  utensib 
for  preparing  them;  JW  wagons,  also,  counting  two  two-horse  or  mule' teams 
as  one.  You  will  be  allowed  to  transport  such  articles  as  cannot  be  carried 
along.  The  same  conditions  will  be  allowed  to  all  sick  and  wounded  officers 
and  privates  as  fast  as  they  become  able  to  travel.  The  paroles  for  these  latter 
must  be  signed,  however,  whilst  officers  are  present  authorized  to  sigii  the 
roll  of  prisoners.  "       ' 

After  some  further  correispondeiice  on  both  sides  this  proposition  was  ac- 
cepted, and  on  the  4th  of  July  the  Federals  took  possession  of  the  city  of  Vicks- 

^^^'  .  -.    -'      ^      .  .    ■.   -  '-'■■  s.    '-"  ,      ■'   ^•■ 

A  paragraph  from  Gen.  Grant's  official  dispktch  will  best  explain  the  result 

of  his  campaign,  together  with  the  surrender  of  Vicksburg:  "The  defeat 
of  the  enelmy  in  five  battles  outside  of  Vicksburg,  the  occupation  of  Jackson, 
the  Capital  of  the  State  of  Mississippi,  and  the  capture  of  Vicksburg  and  its 
garrison  and  munitions  of  war,  a  loss  to  the  enemy  of  37,000  prisoneris,  among 
whom  were  15  general  officers,  at  least  10,000  killed  and  wounded,  and  among 
the  killed  Gens.Tracy,  Tilghman  and  Green,  and  hundreds,  perhaps  thousands, 
of  stragglers,  who  can  never  be  collected  and.  organized.  Arms  and  munitions 
of  war  for  an  army  gf  60,000  have  fallen  into  our  hands,  besides  a  large  arriount 
of  other  public  property,  consisting  of  railroads,  locomotives,  cars,  steam- 
boats, cotton,  etc.,  and  much  was  destroyed  to  prevent  our  capturing  if  '  ■ 

Oh  the  13th  of  July  the  President  sent  an  autograph  letter  to  Gen.  Grant, 
of  which  the  following  is  a  o^y: 

>■-     -     .  ■    ■      ■■•••%-"  ■-•■•i'-^. 
Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  July  13,  1863.   -= 
To  Mai.-Geii.  Gr.VNT. 

My  Dear  General:  I  do  not  remember  that  you  and  I  ever  met  person- 
ally. I  write  this  now  as  a  grateful  acknowledgment  for  the  almost  ines- 
timable service  you  have  done  the  country,  I  wish  to  say  a  word  further. 
When  you  first  reached  the  vicinity  'of  Vicksburg^  I  thought  you  should  do 
what  you  finally  did— march  the  troops  across  the  neck,  run  the  batteries  •' 
with  the  transports,,  and  thus:.go  below;  tmd  I  never  had  any  faith,  -except  a 
Sen^ral  hope  that  ^ou  knew  better  than  I,  that  the  Yazoo  Pass  expedition 


f  : 


M-'  :"'-■ 


J 


160  NUESE   AND   SPY.  * 

■      .      ■"  '  i  "         -       .  -   -  ■ 

• 

and  the  like  could  succeed.  When  you  got  below  and  took  Port  Gibson,  Graifd 
Gulf  and  vicinity,  I  thought  you  should  go  down  the  river  and  join  Banks, 
and  when  you  turned  northward,  east  of  the  Big  Black,  I  feared  it  was  a  mis- 
take. I  now  wish  to  make  a  personal  acknowledgment  that  you  were  right 
and  I  was  wrong. 
Yours  very  truly,  A.  Lincoln. 

It  b  stated  on  good  authority  Uiat  at  the  time  the  news  of  Grant's  success 
rea<;hed  the  President,  there  were  several  gentlemen  present,  some  of  whom 
had  just  been  informing  Mr.  Lincoln  that  there  were  great  complaints  against 
.Gen.  Grant  with  regard  to  his  intemperate  habits.  After  reading  the  tele- 
gram announcing  the  fall  of  Vicksburg,  the  President  turned  to  his  anxious 
friends  of  the  temperance  question  and  said: 

"So  I  understand  Grant  drinks  whisky  to  excess?" 

"Yes,"  was  the  reply.  -    . 

"What  whisky  does  he  drink?" 

"What  whisky?"  doubtfully  queried  his  hearers.  ;        "     •         . 

"Yes.    Is  it  Bourbon  or  Monongahela?"       v  i 

"Why  do  you  ask,  Mr.  President?" 

"Because  if  it  makes  him  win  victories  hke  that'  at  Vicksburg,  I  will  send  a 
demijohn  of  the  same  kind  to  every  General  in  the  army." 

It  is  also  stated  on  the  same  authority  that  Gen.  Grant  is  strictly  tempeKate. 

His  men  are  almost  as  much  attached  to  him  as  are  the  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac to  Gen.  McClellan.  He  is  a  true  soldier,  and  shares  all  the  hardships 
with  his  men,  sleeping  on  the  ground  in  the  open  air,  and  eating  hard  bread 
and  salt  pork  with  as  good  a  grace  as  any  private  soldier. 

He  seldom  wears  a  sword,  except  when  absolutely  necessary,  and  frequently 
wears  a  semi-military  coat  and  low-crowned  hat. 

The  mistakes  which  people  used  to  make,  when  coming  to  Headquarters  to 
see  the  General,  often  reminded  me  of  a  genuine  anecdote  which  is  told  of  Gen. 
Richardson,  or  "Fighting  Dick,"  as  we  familiarly  called  hi.m.  It  occurred 
when  the  troops  were  encamped  near  Washington,  and  was  as  follows: 

The  General  was  sauntering  along  toward  a  fort,  which  was  in  course  of 
erection  not  far  from  Headquarters,  dressed  in  his  usual  uniform  for  fatigue,  • 
namely,  citizen's  pants,  undress  coat,  and  an  old  straw  hat  which  had  oiice 
been  white,  but  was  now  two  or  three  shades  nearer  the  General's  own  com- 
plexion. I      - 

Along  came  one  of  those  dashing  city  staff  officers,  in  white  .gloves,  and 
trimmed  oil  with  gold  lace  to  the  very  extreme  of  military  regulations.  He 
was  in  search  of  Gen.  Richardson,  but  did  not  know  him  personally.  Rein- 
ing up  his  horse  some  little  distance  fiom  the  General,  he  shouted:  "Hallo, 
old  fcUowI  can  you  tell  me  where  Gen.  Richardson's  Headquarters  are?" 

The  General  pointed  out  the  tent  to  him,  and  the  young  officer  went  dashing 
along,  without  ever  saying  "thank  you."    The  General  then  turned  on  hi» 


'  -  » 


ADVENTURES  OF  Jl  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        161 

heel  and  went  back  to  his  tent,  where  he  found  the  officer  making  a  fuss  because 

there  was  no  orderly  to  hold  his  horse.    Turning  to  Gen.  R ,  as  he  came 

up,  he  said:    "Won't  j^u  hold  my  horse  while  I  find  Gen.  R ?"    "Oh,  yes, 

certainly,"  said  he.      * 

After  hitching  the  horse  to  a  post  nearby  for  that  purpose,  the  General 
walked  into  the  tent,  and,  confronting  young  pomposity,  he  said  in  his  peculiar 
twang,  "Well,  sir,  what  will  you  have?" 

When  the  Federal  troops  marched  into  Vicksburg,  what  a  heart-sickening 
sight  it  presented;  the  half-famished  inhabitants  had  crawled  from  their  dens 
and  caves  in  the  earth,  to  find  their  houses  demolished  by  shell,  and  all  their 
pleasant  places  laid  waste. 

But  the  appearance  of  the  soldiers  as  they  came  from  the  intrenchments 
covered  with  mud,  and  bespattered  with  the  blood  of  their  comrade^  who  had 
been  killed  or  wounded,  would  have  touched  a  heeu't  of  stone,     v  I    '.  ,"K- 

The  poor  horses,  and  mules,  too,  were  a  sad  sight,  for  they  had  fared  even 
worse  than  the  soldiers,  for  there  wafe  no  place  of  safety  for  them,  not  even 
intrenchments,  and  they  had  scarcely  anything  at  all  to  eat  for  weeks,  except 
mulberry  leaves.  .        "     "  ./ 

One  man,  in  speaking  of  the  state  of  affairs  in  the  city,  during  the  siege, 
said:  "The  terror  of  the  women  and  children,  their  constant  screams  and 
wailings  over  the  dead  bodies  of  their  friends,  mingled  as  they  were  with 
the  shrieks  of  bursting  shell,  and  the  pitiful  groans  of  the  dying,  was  enough 
to  appall  the  stroutest  heart."  And  others  said  it  was  a  strange  feu;t  that  the 
women  could  not  venture  out  of  their  caves  a  moment  without  either  being 
killed  or  wounded,  while  the  men  and  officers  walked  or  irode  about  with 
but  little  loss  of  life,  comparatively.  ;> 

A  lady  says:  "Sitting  in  ray  cave,  one  evening,  I  heard  the  most  heart-rend- 
ing shrieks  and  groans,  and  upon  making  inquiry,  I  was  told  that  a  mother 
had  taken  her  child  into  a  cave  about  a  hundred  yards  from  us,  and  having 
laid  it  on  its  little  bed,  as  the  poor  women  thought,  in  sdfety,  she  took  her  seat 
near  the  entrance  of  the  cave.  A  mortar-shell  came  rushing  through  the  air, 
and  fell  ujion  the  cave,  and  bursting  in  the  ground  entered  the  cave;  a  frag- 
ment of  the  shell  mashed  the  head  of  the  little  sleeper,  crushing  out  the  young 
life,  and  leaving  tlie  distracted  mother  to  pierce  the  heavois  with  her  cries  of 
agony." 

How  blightingly  the  hand  of  war  lay  upon  that  once-flourishing  city!  The 
closed  and  desolate  houses,  the  gardens  with  open  gates,  and  the  poor,  starv- 
ing mules,  standing  amid  the  flowers,  picking  off  every  green  leafj.to  <Ulay 
their  hunger,  presented  a  sad  picture. 

I  will  give  the  following  quotation  as  a  specimen  of  cave  Ufe  in  Vicksburg: 
"I  was  sitting  near  the  entrance  of  my  cave  about  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
when  the  bombardment  commenced  more  furiously  than  usual,  the  shells  fall- 
ing thickly  around  us,  causing  vast  columns  of  earth  to  fly  upward,  mingled 
with  smoke.    As  casual,  I  was  uncertain  whether  to  remi&ia  within,  or  to  run 


,u- 


'-■>:  ■' 


162  ,  NURSE    AND    SPy.     .    ,,..,., 

out.  As  the  rocking  and  trembling  of  the  earth  was  distinctly  felt,  and  the 
explosions  alarmingly  near,  I  stood  within  the  mouth  of  the  cave  ready  to 
make  my  escape,  should  one  chance  to  fall  above  our  domicile. 

"In  my  anxiety  I  was  startled  by  the  shouts  of. the  servants,  and  a  most  fear- 
ful jar  and  rocking  of  the  earth,  followed  by  a  deafening  explosion,  such  as  I 
had  never  heard  before.  The  cave  filled  instantly  with  srrioke  and  duist.  I 
stood  there,  with  a  tingling,  prickling  sensation  in  my  head,  hands  and  feet, 
and  with  confu.sed  brain.  Yet  alivel  was  the  first  glad  thought  that  came 
to  me — child,  servants,  all  here,  and  saved! 

"I  stepped  out  and  found  a  group  of  persons  before  my  cave,  looking  anxi- 
ously for  me,  and  lying  all  around  were  freshly-torn  rose  bushes,  arbor  vitae 
trees,  large  clods  of  earth,  splinters,  and  pieces  of  plank. 

"A  mortar-shcU  had  struck  the  corner  of  the  cave;  fortunately,  so  near  the 
bi-qw  of  the  hill  that  it  had  gone  obliquely  into  the  earth,  exploding  as  it  went, 
breaking  large  m.asses  from  the  side  o|  the  hill,  tearing  away  the  fence,  the 
shrubbery  and  flowers,  sweeping  all  like  an  avalanche  down  near  the  entrance 
of  riiy  poor  refuge. 

"On  another  occ^lsion  I  sat  reading  in  safety,  I  imagined,  when  the  unnjis- 
takable  whirring  of  Parrdtt  shells  told  us  that  the  battery  we  so  much  dreaded 
had  opened  from  the  intrenchments.  I  ran  to  the  entrance  to  call  the  servants 
in.  Immediately  after  they  entered  a  shell  struck  the  earth  a  few  feet  from  the 
entrance,  burying  itself  without  exploding.  . 

"A  man  came  in,  much  f rigntened,  and  asked  permission  to  remain  until 
the  danger  was  over.  He  had  been  there  but  a  short  time  when  a  Parrott- 
shell  Game  wliirnng  in  at  the  entrance  and  fell  in  the  centc^  of  the  cave  before 
us,,  anjd  lay  there,  the  fuse  still  smoking. 

"Our  eyes  were  fastened  upon  that  terrible  missile  of  death  as  by  the  fascina- 
tion of  a  serpent,  while  we  expected  ever}-  irioment  that  the  terrific  explosion 
would  take  place.  I  pressed  my  cliild  closer  to  rriy  heart  and  drew  nearer  the 
wall.     Our  fate  seemed  certain,  our  doom  was  sealed. 

"Just  at  this  dreadful  moment,  George,  a  negro  boy,  rushed  forward,  seized 
the  shell,  and  threw  it  into  the  street,  then  ran  swiftly  in  the  opposite  direction. 

"Fortunately  the  fuse  became  extinguished  suid  the  shell  fell  harmless  to 
the  ground,  and  is  still  looked  upon  as  a  monument  ol  terror.** 


">       •;•      .■.-;-'      CI       i, 


I 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       163 


CHAPTER  XXVIII.  ' 

Western  Gibraltar— The  "Lead  Miners"— The  Palmetto  Exchanged  for  the 
Stars  and  Stripes— Enthusiasm  of  Troops — Sufferings  Forgotten— I  am 
Attacked  by  Fever— Unfit  for  Duty— "Vicksburg  is  Ours"— Spirit  Yearn- 
ings—"Rock  Me  to  Sleep,  Mother" — Imposition  of  Steamboat  Officers. 
Grant's  Care  for  His  Men — Bursting  of  a  Shell  in  Camp — Consequences. 
Speechless  Agony— I  am  Released  from  Duty — My  Trip  to  Cairo— Miss 
Mary  Safford — Arrival  at  Washington.      . 

It  was  a  proud  day  for  the  Union  army  when  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant  marched 
his  victorious  troops  into  the  rebel  Sebastopol,  or  "the  Western  Gibraltar," 
as  the  rebels  were  pleased  to  term  it. 

The  troops  marched  in  trimnphantly,  the  45th  111.,  the  "lead  miners," 
leading  the  van,  and  as  they  halted  in  front  of  the  fine  white  marble  Court- 
house, and  flung  out  the  National  banner  to  the  breeze,  and  planted  the  battle- 
worn  flags  bearing  the  dear  old  Stars  and  Stripes  where  the  "palmetto"  had 
so  recently  floated;  then  went  up  tremendous  shouts  of  triumpliant  and  en- 
thusiastic cheers,  which  were  caught  up  and  re-echoed  by  the  advancing  troops 
until  all  was  dn»  wild  scene  of  joy;  and  the  devastated  city  and  its  miserable 
inhabitants  were  forgotten"  in  the  triumph  of  the  hour. 

This  excitement  proved  too  muQh  foi;  me,  as  I  had  been  suffering  from  fever 
for  several  days  previous,  and  had  risen  from  my  cot  and  mounted  my  horse 
for  the  purpose  of  witnessing  the  crowning  act  of  the  campaign.  Now  it  was 
over,  and  I  was  exhausted  and  weak  as  p/child. 

I  was  urged  to  go  to  a  hospital,  but  reiused;  yet  at  length  I  was  obliged  to 
report  myself  unfit  for  duty,  but  still  persisted  in  sitting  up  most  of  the  time. 
Oh,  what  dreary  days  and  nights  I  passed  in  that  dilapidated  city!  A  slow 
fever  had  fastened  itself  upon  me,  and  in  spite  of  all  my  fortitude  and  deter- 
mination to  shake  it  off,  I  was  each  day  becoming  more  surely  its  victim. 

I  could  not  bear  the  shouts  of  the  men,  or  their  songs  of  triumph  which  rung 
out  upon  every  breeze,  one  of  which  I  can  never  forget,  as  I  heard  it  sung  until 
my  poor  brain  was  distracted,  and  in  my  hours  of  delirium  I  kept  repeating 
"Vicksburg  is  ours,"  "Vicksburg  is  ours,"  in  a  manner  more  amusmg  than 
musical. 

I  will  here  quote  a  few  verses,  which  I  thmk  arc  the  same: 

■     * 

Hark!    home   upon   the   Southern   breeze, 
As  whispers  breathed  above  the  trees, 
Or  as  the  swell  from  off  the  seas,  • 

In  Summer  showers,  •'  '*"' 

.  Fall  softly  on  the  ears  of  men  .-■ 


v.■;-s.:.:^.^::-.:■-:■■^.- .; -^--^i^;-^/- ■:;--• --^^ 


164  NUESE    AND    SPY. 


t  Strains  sweetly  indistinct,  and  then — 

[■  '  Hist!    listen!  catch  the  sound  again^ 

[  "Vicksburg   is   ours!" 


O'er  sea- waves  beating  on  the  shore, 

'Bove   the   thunder-storm   and   tempest  o'er, 

O'er  cataracts  in  headlong  roar, 

High,  high  it  towers. 
O'er  all  the  breastworks  and  the  moats 
The  Starry  Flag  in  triumph  floats. 
And  heroes  thunder  from  their  throats 
"Vicksburg  is  ours'" 

Spread  all  your  banners  in  the  sky, 
The  sword  of  victory  gleams  on  high, 
Our  conquering  eagles  upward  fly, 

And   kiss   the   stars; 
For  Liberty  the  Gods  awake,\ 
And  hurl  the  shattered  foes  a  wreck, 
ii!.  The  Northern  arms  make  strong  to  break 

The  Southern  bars.  • 


All  honor  to  the  brave  and  true 
Who  fought  the  bloody  battles  througn, 
And  from  the  ramparts  victory  drew 
Where    Vicksburg    cowers; 


And  o'er  trenches,  o'er  the  slain. 

Through  iron  hail  and  leaden  rain,  ■     *     .        .■'■'•{ 

Still  plunging  onward,  might  and  main, 

Made   V^icksburg  ours.      "  > 


I  think  I  realized,  in  those  hours  of  feverish  restlessness  and  pain,  the  heart-  •:i 
yearning  for  the  touch  of  a  mother's  cool  hand  upon  my  brow,  which  I  had  so  J 
often  heard  the  poor  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  speak  of.  Oh  how  I  longed  ' 
for  one  gentle  caress  from  her  loving  hand!  and  when  I  would  sometimes  fall  :■ 
into  a  quiet  slumber,  and  forget  my  surroundings,  I  would  often  wake  up  and  •, 
imagine  my  mother  sat  beside  me,  and  would  only  realize  my  sad  mistake  , 
when,  looking  in  the  direction  I  supposed  her  to  be,  there  would  be  seen  soine  ; 
great  bearded  soldier,  wrapped  up  in  an  overcoat,  smoking  his  pipe. 

The  following  lines  in  some  measure  express  my  spirit-longipgs' for  the  ■': 
presence  of  my  mothei  in  those  nights  of  torturing  fever  and  days  of  languor  '': 
and  despondency:  ' 


„1: 


•  ,-  ■       ■  ■"  V      "■  '  ■.  •■  -■'--'     ■■•-  "'"■■ 

ADVENTURES.  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        165 


Backward;  turn  backward,  0  Time,  in  your  flight; 

Make  me  a  child  again,  just  for  to-night! 

Mother,  0  come  from  the  far-distant , shore,     ,  .    ^     ^ 

Take  me  again  to  your  heart  as  of  yore; 

Over  my  slumbers  your  loving  watch  keep — 

Eock  me  to  sleep,  mother,  Jock  me  to  sleep. 

*       it       if       if       *       if       *  , 

I 

Backward,  flow  backward,  0  tide  of  the  years! 

I  am  so  weary  of  toils  and  of  tears, 

Toil  without  recompense — tears  all  in  vain —         / 

Take  them,  and  give  me  my  childhood  again.     , 

I  have  grown  weary  of  warfare  and  strife,  .  ' 

Weary  of  bartering  my  health  and  my  life,     ; , 

Weary  of  sowing  for  others  to  reap —  " 

Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother,  rock  me  to  sleep. 

After  the  fall  of  Vicksburg  a  large  proportion  of  the  soldiers  in  that  vicinity, 
who  had  fought  so  bravely,  endured  so  many  hardships,  and  lain  in  the  in- 
trenchments  so  many  weary  weeks  during  the  siege,  were  permitted  to  visit 
their  homes  on  furlough. 

In  view  of  this  Gen.  Grant  issued  a  special  order  forbidding  steamboat  officers 
to  charge  more  than  $5  to  enlisted  men,  and  $7  to  officers,  as  fare  between  Vicks- 
burg and  Cairo.  Notwithstanding  this  order  the  Captains  of  steamers  were 
in  the  habit  of  charging  from  $15  to  $30  apiece. 

On  one  occasion  one  of  those  steamers  had  on  board  an  unusually  large 
number  of  soldiers,  said  to  be  over  1,000  enlisted  men,  and  nearly  250  officers, 
oi  route  for  home  on  leave  of  absence;  and  all  had  paid  from  $20  to  $25  each. 
But  just  as  the  boat  was  about  to  push  off  from  the  wharf  an  order  came  from 
Gen.  Grtmt  requiring  the  money  to  be  refunded  to  men  and  officers  over  and 
above  the  stipulated  sum  mentioned  in  a  previous  order,  or  the  Captain  to 
have  his  boat  confiscated  and  submit  hhnself  to  imprisonment  for  disobedience 
of  orders.  Of  course  the  Captain  handed  over  the  money,  and  amid  cheers 
for  Gen.  Grant,  sarcastic  smiles,  and  many  amusing  and  insinuating  speeches, 
and  doubtful  compliments  to  the  Captmn,  the  men  pocketed  the  recovered 
"greenbacks,"  and  went  on  their  way  rejoicing. 

When  the  General  was  told  of  the  imposition  practiced  by  the  boatmen  on 
his  soldiers,  he  replied:  "I  will  teach  them,  if  they  need  the  lesson,  that  the 
men  who  have  periled  their  lives  to  open  the  Mississippi  for  their  benefit  can- 
not be  imposed  upon  with  impunity." 

A  noble  trait  in  the  character  of  this  brave  General  is  that  he  looks  after 
the  wellfare  of  his  men  as  one  who  has  to  give  an  account  of  his  stewardship, 
or  of  those  intrusted  to  his  care. 

I  remamel  in  my  tent  for  several  days,  not  being  able  to  walk, about,  or 
scarcely  able  to  sit  ud.    I  was  startled  one  day>  from  my  usual  quietude  by 


ICG  NURSE  AND  SPY.    ^.  '  ,^ 

the  bursting  of  a  shell  which  had  lain  in  front  of  my  tent,  and  from  which  no 
danjer  was  apprehended;  yet  it  burst  at  a  moment  when  a  number  of  soldiers 
were  gathered  round  it,  and  oh,  what  sad  havoc  it  made  of  those  cheerful, 
happy  boys  of  a  moment  previous!  Two  of  them  were  killed  instantly,  and 
f  .-.ur  were  wounded  seriously,  and  the  ttnt  where  I  lay  was  cut  in  several  places 
with  fragments  of  shell,  the  tent  poles  knocked  out  of  their  places,  and  the 
tent  Idled  with  dust  and  smoke. 

One  poor  colored  boy  had  one  of  his  hands  lorn  off  at  the  v/rist;  and  olf  all 
the  wounded  that  1  have  ever  seen,  I  never  heard  such  unearthly  yells  and 
unceasing  lamentations  as  that  boy  poured  forth  night  suid  d?iy;  ether  and 
chloroform  v/^rc  alike  unavailing  in  hushing  the  cries  of  the  poor  sufferer. 
At  length  the  voice  began  to  grow  weaker,  and  soon  afterwards  ceased  alto- 
gether; and  upon  making  inquiry  I  found  he  had  died  groaning  and  crying 
until  his  voice  was  hushed  in  death. 

The  mother  and  sister  of  one  of  the  soldiers  v/ho  was  killed  bj-  the  explosicin 
of  the  shell  arrived  a  sliort  time  after  the  accident  occurred,  and  it  was  truly 
a  most  pitiful  sight  to  see  the  speechless  grief  of  those  stricken  ones  as  they 
sat  beside  the  senseless  clay  of  that  beloved  son  and  brother. 

All  m\-  soldier  qualities  seemed  to  have  fied,  and  I  was  again  a  poor,  cow- 
ardly, nervous,  whining  woman;  'an(^  as  if  ti  make  up  for  lost  time,  and  io 
give  vent  to  my  long-pent-up  feelings,  I  could  do  nothing  but  weep  hour  after 
hour,  until  it  would  seem  that  my  head  was  literally  a  fountain  of  tears,  and 
my  heart  one  great  burden  of  sorrow.  All  the  horrid  scenes  that -I  had  wit- 
nessed during  the  past  two  years  seepied  now  before  me  with  vi.vid  distinct- 
ness, and  I  could  Uiink  of  nothing  else. 

It  was  under  these  circumstances  that  I  made  up  my  mind  to  leave  the  army; 
and  when  once  my  mind  is  made  up  oi^  any  subject  I  am  very  apt  to  act  at 
once  upon  that  decision.  So  it  was  ii;  this  case.  I  sent  for  the  Surgeon  and 
told  him  I  was  not  able  to  remain  long;ef[  that  I  would  certainly  die  if  I  did 
not .  leave  immediately. 

The  good  old  Surgeon  concurred  in  ray  opinion,  and  made  out  a  certificate 
of  disability,  and  I  was  forthwith  released  from  further  duty  as  "Nurse  and 
Spy"  in  the  Federal  army. 

The  very  next  day  I  embarked  for  Cairo,  and  on  my  arrival  there  I  procured 
female  attire,  and  laid  aside  forever  (perhaps)  my  military,  uniform;  but  I  had 
become  so  accustomed  to  it  that  I  parted  with  it  with  much  reluctance. 

While  in  Cairo  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  celebrated  Miss  Mary  Safford, 
of  whom  so  much  has  been  said  and  written. 

One  writer  gives  the  following  a<^count  of  her,  which  is  correct  with  regard 
to  personal  appearance,  and  I  have  no  doubt  is  correct  throughout: 

"I  cannot  close  this  letter  without  a  passing  word  in  regard  to  one  whose 
name  is  mentioned  by  thousands  of  our  soldiers  with  gratitude  and  blcsssmg. 

"Miss  Mary  SafiFord  is  a  resident  of  this  town,  whose  life,  since  the  b^imuBf 
of  this  war,  has  been  devoted  to  the  amelioration  of  the  soldier's  lot  and  ^ 
ootnfort  in  tke  hospital 


i     ■' 


'■■:\ 


.,    .:.f..;'-v.?,.^:. 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       107 

"She  is  a  young  lady,  petite  in  figure,  unpretending,  but  highly  cultivsiled, 
by  no  means  officious,  and  so  wholly  unconscious  of  her  excellencies  and  the 
great  work  that  she  is  aichieting,  that  I  fear  this  public  allusion  to' her  may 
pain  her  modest  -  nature.  ■  ^  ■       . 

"Her  sweet  young  face,  full  of  benevolence,  her  pleasant  voice  and  winning 
manner,  install  her  in  every  one's  heart  directly,  and  the  more  one  sees  of  her 
the  more  they  admire  her  great  soul  and  noble  nature.  - 

"Not  a  day  elapses  but  she  is  found  in  the  hospitals,  unless  indeed  she  is 
absent  on  an  errand  of  mercy  up  the  Tennessee,  or  to  the  hospitals  in  Kentucky. 

"Every  sick  and  wounded  soldier  in  Cairo  knows  and  loves  her,  and,  as  she 
enters  the  ward,  every  pale  face  brightens  at  her  approach.  As  she  passes 
ak>ng  she  inquires  of  eskch  one  how  he  had  passed  the  night,  if  he  is  well  sup- 
plied with  books  and  tracts,  and  if  there  is  anything  she  can  do  for  him.  All 
tell  her  their  story  frankly — the  old  man  old  enough  to  be  her  father,  and  the 
boy  in  his  teens,  all  ccmfide  in  hier.  - 

"For  one  she  must  write  a  letter  to  his  friend  at  home;  ^he  must  sit  down 
and  read  at  the  cot  of  another;  must  procure,  if  the  Surgeon  %ill  allow  it,  this 
or  that  article  of  food  for  a  third;  must  soothe  and  encourage  a  fourth  who 
desponds  and  is  ready  t6  give  up  his  hold  on  life;  must  pray  for  a  fifth,  who  is 
afraid  to  die,  and  wrestle  for  him  till  light  shines  through  the  dark  valley; 
and  so  on,  Vari«d  ias  may  be  the  personal  or  spiritual  wants  of  the  suffCTers. 

"Surgeons,  nurses,  medical  directors  and  army  officers  are  all  her  tme 
friends,  and  so  judicious  and  trustworthy  is  she  that  the  Chicago  Sanitary 
Commission  h&ve  given  her  carle  blnnche  to  draw  on  their  stores  at  Ca^o  for 
anything  she  may  need  in  her  eitands  of  mercy  ivt  tb*  hospitals. 

"She  is  performing  a  noble  wbrk,  and  that  too  in  the  riiost  quiet  and  unassiHU- 
ing  manner." 

From  Cairo  I  went  to  Washington,  where  I  sperit  several- weeks,  until  Ire- 
covcrcd  from  mV  fever,  and  was  able  lo  Endure  the  fatigue  of  traveling.  Then, 
after  visiting  the  hospitals  once  more,  and  bidding  farewell  to  old  scenes  and 
associations,  I  returned  to  my  friends  to  recruit  my  shattered  health.  ■ 


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163  ilUESE   AND   SPY. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

■Review  of  Hospital  and  Camp  Life — Questions  Answered — Behind  the  Scenes. 
Blessed  Employment — Living  Past  Scenes  Over  Again — My  Most  Im- 
portant Labors — Mother  and  Son — Strange  Power  of  Sympathy — Hero's 
Repose — Officers  and  Men — The  Bravest  are  the  Kindest— Gen;  Sedgwick. 
Battle  Scenes — Mr.  Alvord's  Description — Volunteer  Surgeons — Heart 
Sickening  Sights — An  Awful  Picture — Female  Nurses — Sentimental 
Patriotic — Medical  Department — Young  Surgeons — Anecdotes. 

Since  I  returned  to  New  England  there  have  been  numerous  questions  asked 
me  with  regard  to  hospitals,  camp  life,  etc.,  which  have  not  been  fully  answered 
in  the  preceding  narrative,  and  I  have  thought  that  perhaps  it  would  not  be 
out  of  plaice  to  devote  a  chapter  to  that  particular  object. 

One  great  question  is:  "Do  the  soldiers  get  the  clothing  and  delicacies  which 
we  send  them,  or  is  it  true  that  the  Surgeons,  officers  and  nurses  appropriate 
them  to  their  own  use?" 

In  reply  to  this  question  I  dare  not  assert  that  all  the  things  which  are  sent 
to  the  soldiers  are  faithfully  distributed,  and  reach  the  individuals  for  whom 
they  were  intended.  But  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  I  have  reason 
to  beUeve  that  the  cases  are  very  rare  where  Surgeons  or  nurses  tamper  with 
those  articles  sent  for  the  comfort  of  the  sick  and  wounded. 

If  the  ladies  of  the  Soldiers'  Aid  Societies  and  other  benevolent  organizations 
■  could  have  seen  even  the  quantity  which  I  have  seen  with  my  own  ej-es  dis- 
tributed, and  the  smile  of  gratitude  with  which  those  supplies  are  welcomed 
by  the  sufferers,  they  would  think  that  they  were  amply  rewarded  for  all  their 
labor  in  preparing  them. 

Just  let  those  benevolent-hearted  ladies  imagine  themselves  in  my  place 
for  a  single  day;  removing  blood-clotted  and  stiffened  woolen  garments  from 
ghastly  wounds,  and  after  applying  the  sponge  and  water  remedy,  replacing 
those  coarse,  rough  shirts  by  nice,  cool,  clean  linen  ones,  then  dress  the  wounds 
with  those  soft  white  bandages  and  lint;  take  from  the  express  box  sheet  after 
sheet,  and  dainty  little  pillows  with  their  snowy  cases,  until  you  have  the 
entire  hospital  supplied,  and  every  cot  looking  clean  and  inviting  to  the  weary, 
wounded  men,  tlicn  as  they  are  carried  and  laid  upon  those  comfortable  beds, 
you  will  often  see  the  tears  of  gratitude  gush  forth,  and  hear  the  earnest  "God 
bless  the  benevolent  ladies  who  send  us  these  comforts." 

Then,  after  the  washing  and  clothing  process  is  gone  through  with,  the 
nice  wine  or  Boston  crackers  are  brought  forward,  preserved  fruits,  wines, 
jellies,  etc.,  and  distributed-  as  the  different  cases  may  require. 

I  have  spent  whole  days  in  this  blessed  emplojinent  without  realizing  weari- 
ness or  fatigue,  so  completely  absorbed  would  I  become  in  my  work,  and  so 
rejoiced  in  having  those  comforts  provided  for  our  brave,  suffering  soldiers. 


.i  / 


v 


ADVENTUEES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.      169 

Time  and  again,  since  I  have  been  engaged  in  writing  this  little  narrative, 
I  have  thrown  down  my  pen,  closed  my  eyes,  and  lived  over  again  those  hours 
which  I  spent  in  ministering  to  the  wants  of  those  noble  men,  and  have  longed 
to  go  back  and  engage  in  the  same  duties  once  more. 

I  look  back  now  upon  my  hospital  labors  as  being  the  most  important.and 
interesting  in  my  life's  history.  The  many  touching  incidents  which  come 
to  my  mind  as  I  recall  those  thrilling  scenes,  make  me  feel  as  if  I  should  never 
be  satisfied  until  I  had  recorded  them  all,  so  that  they  might  never  be  forgotten. 
One  occurs  to  my  mind  now  which  I  must  not  omit: 

"In  one  of  the  fierce  engagements  with  the  rebels  near  Mechanicsville,  a 
young  Lieutenant  of  a  Rhode  Islfind  battery  had  his  right  foot  so  shattered 
by  a  fragment  of  shell  that  on  reaching  Washington,  after  one  of  those  horrible 
ambulance  rides,  and  a  journey  of  a  week's  duration,  he  was  obliged  to  under- 
go amputation. 

"He  telegraphed  home,  hundreds  of  miles  away,  that  all  was  going  on  well, 
and  with  a  soldier's  fortitude  composed  his  mind  and  determined  to  bear  his 
sufferings  alone.  Unknown  to  him,  however,  his  mother — one  of  those  dear 
reserves  of  the  army — hastened  up  to  join  the  main  force.  She  reached  the 
city  at  midnight,  and  hastened  to  the  hospital,  but  her  son  being  in  such  a 
critical  condition,  the  nurses  would  have  kept  her  from  him  until  morning. 
One  sat  by  his  side  fanning  him  as  he  slept,  her  hand  on  the  feeble,  flutcuat- 
ing  pulsations  which  foreboded  sad  results.  But  what  womaji's  heart  could 
resist  the  pleading  of  a  mother  at  such  a  moment?  In  the  darkness  she  was 
finally  allowed  to  glide  in  and  take  the  nurse's  place.at  his  side.  She  touched 
his  pulse  as  the  nurse  had  done.  Not  a  word  had  been  spoken;  but  the  sleeping 
boy  opened  his  eyes  and  said:  'That  feels  like  my  mother's  hand!  Who 
is  this  beside  me?  It  is  my  mother!  Turn  up  the  gas,  and  let  see  mother.' 
The  two  loving  faces  met  in  one  long,  joyful,  sobbing  embrace,  and  the 
fondness  pent  up  in  each  heart  wept  forth  its  own  language. 

"The  gallant  fellow  underwent  operation  after  operation,  and  at  last,  when 
death  drew  near,  and  he  was  told  by  tearful  friends  that  it  only  remained  to 
make  him  comfortable,  he  said  he  'had  looked  death  in  the  face  too  many  times 
to  be  afraid  now,'  and  died  as  gallantly  as  did  the  men  of  the  Cumberland." 

.  .  When  a  hero  goes 

Unto  his  last  repose. 
When  earth's  trump  of  fame  shall  wake  him  no  more; 
When  in  the  heavenly  land  '    - 

Another  soul  doth  stand. 
Who  perished  for  a  Nation  ere  he  reached  the  shore; 
; ,  , '  Whose  eyes  should  sorrow  dim?  - 

,     r  Say,  who  should  mourn  for  him?         j     >     <  •'■ 

^    .-      '■  _\  .,      :.  ;   1.      •■        ;     l--\^    ■: 

Mourn  for  the  traitor — mom 
When  honor  is  forsworn 


( 

-    •         -     . 

f;: 

■'  V  ■•    '.'  '■ 

.'j.i's^'-j^-i:. 

'.'.I  '"^"- 

170 


/ 
NURSE   A.ND  SPY. 


1  ..  ■•  :  -.y. 
-   0 


When  the  base  wretch  sells  hrs  land  for  gold. 

Stands   up   unblushingly  '  .     » 

And  boasts  his  perfidy,  '  •o;     •    ^ 

Then,  then,  0  pwitriots!  let  your  grief  be  told* 
.  But  when  God's  soldier  yieldeth  up  his  breath, 
. ;  O  mourn  ve  not  for  him!  it  is  not  death! 


Another  qutstion  is  frequently  asked  me:  "Are  not  the  private  soldiers 
cruelly  treated  by  the  ofTicers?"  I  never  knew  but  a  very  few  instantances 
of  it,  and  then  it  was  invariably  by  mean,  cowardly  officers,  who  were  not  fit 
to  be  in  command  of  so  many  mules.  I  have  always  noticed  that  the  bravest 
and  the  best  fighting  officers  are  the  kindest  and  most  forbearing  toward  their 
men.  . 

An  interesting  anecdote  is  told  of  the  late  brave  Gen.  Sedgwick,  wbiclj 
illustrates  this  fact:      .  •    ■  ■       •  •;       I 

"One  day,  while  on  a  march,  one  of  our  best  soldiers  had  fallen  exhausted 
by  fatigue  and  illness,  and  lay  helpless  in  the  road,  when  an  officer  came  dash- 
ing along  in  evident  .haste  to  join  his  staff  in  advance. 

*it  was  pitiable  to  see  the  effort  the  poor  boy  made  to  drag  his  unwilling 
limbs  out  of  the  road.  He  struggled  up  only  to^  sink  back  with,  a  look  thftt 
asked  only  the  privilege  of  lying  there  undisturbed  to'  die. 

"^Itt  an  instant  he  found  his -head  pillowed  on  an  arm  as  gentle  a94ii*!  far- 
atvay  mother's  might  have  been,  and  aface  bent  over  him  expressive  of  the 
deepest  pity.  . '  .  '  ^ 

"It  is  characteristic  of  our  brave  boys  that  they  say  but  little.    The  uncom*  ■ 
plaining  words  of  the  soldier  in  this  instance  were  few,  but  understood. 

"The  officer  raised  him  in  his  arms  and  placed  him  in  his  own  saddle,  sup- 
porting the  limp  and  swaying  figure  by  one  firm  arm,  while  with  the  other 
he  curbed  the  step  of  his  impatient  horse  to  a  gentler  pace. 

"For  two  miles,  without  a  gesture  of  impatience,  he  traveled  in  this  tedious 
way,  until  he  reached  an  ambulance  train  and  placed  the  sick  man  in  one 
of  the  ambulances. 

"This  was  our  noble  Sedgwick,  our  brave  General  of  the  Sixth  Corps,  pressed 
with  great  anxieties  and  knowing  the  preciousness  of  every  moment.  His 
men  used  to  say:  'We  all  know  that  great  things  aire  to  bfj  done^  and  well 
done,  when  we  see  that  earnest  figure  in  its  rough  blouse  hurrying  past,  and 
never  have  we  been  disappointed  in  him.  He  works  incessantly,  is  unostenta- 
tious, and  when  he  appears  among  us  all  eyes  follow  him  with  outspoken 
blessings.'"  / 

\  have  often  been  asked:  "Have  you  evet  been  on  a  battlefield  before  the 
dead  and  wounded  were  remdved?  How  did  it  appee^?  Please  describe 
one.  /  •  • 

I  have  been  on  many  a  battlefield,  and  have  often  tried  to  describe  the  horri- 
ble scenes  which  I  there  witnessed,  but  have  never  yet  been  able  to  find  langu 


:■!«?; 


ADVENTURES  OF.  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        171    ' 

age  to  express  half  the  horrors  of  such  sights  as  I  have  seen  on  those  terrible 
fields..  .     :',■"■■    '      ■  .-:    ;■^^4V;:^.;;•^    ■:■._;- ,''ij::; 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Alvord  has  furnished  us  with  a  vivid  description  of  a. battle- 
field, which  I  will  give  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  wish  a  true  and  horrifying 
description  of  those  bloody  fields: 

"To-day  I  have  witnessed  more  horrible  scenes  than  ever  before  since  I  have 
been  in  tlie  army.  Hundreds  of  wounded  have  lain  since  the  battle,  among 
rebels,  intermingled  with  •  heaps  of  slain,  hungering,  thirstiiig.  and  with 
wounds  inflaming  and  festering.  Many  had  died  simply  from  want  of  care. 
Their  last  battle<was  fought!  Almost  every  shattered  limb  required  amputa- 
tion, so  putrid  had  the  wounds  become. 

"I  was  angry  (I  think  without  sin)  at  your  volunteer  Surgeons.    Those  of  X 
ihe  army  were  too  few,  and  almost  exhausted.    But  squads  of  volunteers,      i 
as  is  usual,  had  come  on  without  instruments  and  without  sense  enough  to     /    J^ 
set  themselves  at  work  in  any  way,  and  without  any  idea  of  dressing  smalt  /  ,y 
wounds.     They  wanted  to  see  amputation,  and  so,  while  bundreds  were  cry-  "S 
ing  for  help,  I  found  five  of  these  gentlemen  sitting  at  their  ease,  with  legs      i 
crossed,  waiting  for  their  expected  reception  by  the  Medical  Director,  who  \^as 
of  course,  up  to. his  elbows  in  Vrork  with  saw  and  amputating  kiufe.    I  in-      ) 
vited  them  to  assist  me  in  my  labors  among  the  suflwing,  but  they  liad  'not 
come  to  nurse, — they  were  'surgeons.'       ~_,      "         v  :    .  v      .  .-     ;.*^:f  -^^     "  '"j 

"The  disgusting  details  of  the  field  I  need  not  describe.    Over  miles  of  shat-  :-  r ; 

tered  forest  and  torn  earth  the  dead  lie,  sometimes  in  heaf>s  and  windro'tps — I 
mean  literally!  friend  and  foe,  black  and  white,  witb  distorted  features,  among 
mangled  and  dead  horses,  trampled  in  mud,  and  thrown  in  all  conceivable 
sorts  of  places.  You  can  distinctly  hear,  over  the  whole  field,  the  hum  and 
iiis^ing  of  decomposition.  Of  coarse,  you  can  imagine  shattered  muskets,  ■ 
bayonets,  cannonballs,  fragments  of  shell,  broken  artillery,  etc.  I  went  over 
it  all  just  before  evening,  and  after  a  couple  of  hours  turned  away  in  sickening 
horror  from  the  drejadful  sight.  I  write  in  the  midst  of  the  dead,  buried  €^nd 
unburied;  in  the  midst  of  hospitals  full  of  dying,  suffering  men,  and  weary,  ''  • 
shattered  regiments."  /      ' 

This  is  a  very  mild  illustration  of  some  battlefields,  and  yet  it  presents  an 
awful  picture.  ■  ••.     -, 

0  God!  this  land  grows  rich  in  loyal  blood  ;    * 

Poured  out  upon  it  to  its  utmost  length!  n 

The  incense  of  a  people's  sacrifice — 
The;  wrested  offering  of  a  people's  strength.        • 

It  is  the  costliest  land  beneath  the  sun! 
'Tis  purchaselessi  and  scarce  a  rood  ' 

,    .-  But  hath  its  title  written  clear,  and  signed 

In  some  slain  hero's  consecrated  blood  ',     ~  :^  > 

'   '.,  \  ■-  •  '''■■'''.'"'  '-"  '' 


^ 


*: 


\.. 


'^  .','-- 


..f;.r*4*V,  . 


/  ^ 


172  NITRSE   AND   SPY. 

And  not  a  flower  that  gems  its  mellowing  soil  -• 

But  thriveth  well  beneath  the  holy  dew  /  ,  .  ' 

Of  tears,  that  ease  a  Nation's  straining  heart, 
When  the  Lord  of  Battles  smites  it  through  and  through. 

Now  a  word  about  female  nurses  who  go  from  the  North  to  take  care  of  the 
soldiers  in  hospitals.  I  have  said  but  little  upon  this  point,  but  could  say 
much,  as  I  have  had  ample  opportunity  for  observation. 

Many  of  the  noble  women  who  have  gone  from  the  New  England'and  other 
loyal  States  have  done,  and  are  still  doing,  a  work  which  will  engrave  their 
names  upon  the  hearts  of  the  soldiers,  as  the  name,  of  Florence  Nightingale 
is  engraved  upon  the  hearts  of  her  countrymen. 

It  is  a  strange  fact  that  the  more  highly  cultivated  and  refined  the  ladies 
are,  they  make  all  the  better  nurses.  They  are  sure  to  submit  to  inconvenienca 
and  privations  with  a  much  better  gra^e  than  those  of  the  lower  classes. 

It  is  true  we  have  some  sentimental  young  ladies  who  go  down  there  and 
expect  to  find  everything  in  drawing-room  style,  with  nothing  to  do  but  sit 
and  fan  handsome  young  mustached  heroes  in  shoulder-straps,  and  read 
poetry,  etc.;  and  on  finding  the  real  somewhat  different  from  the  ideal,  which 
their  ardent  imaginations  had  created,  they  become  homesick  at  once,  and 
declare  that  they  "cannot  endure  such  work  as  washing  private  soldiers'  dirty 
faces  and  combing  tangled,  matted  hair;  and,  what  is  more,  won't  do  it."  So, 
after  making  considerable  fuss,  and  trailing  round  in  very  long  silk  skirts 
for  several  days,  until  everybody  becomes  disgusted,  they  are  politely  invited 
by  the  Surgeon  in  charge  to  migrate  to  some  more  congenial  atmosphere. 

But  the  patriotic,  whole-souled,  educated  woman  twists  up  her  hair  in  a 
"cleared-for-action"  sort  of  style,  rolls  up  the  sleeves  of  her  plain  cotton  dress, 
and  goes  to  work  washing  dirty  fa<;es,  hands  and  feet,  as  if  she  knew  just  what 
to  do  and  how  to  do  it.  And  when  she  gets  through  with  that  part  of  the  pro- 
gram, she  is  just  as  willing  to  enter  upon  some  new  duty,  whether  it  is  writing 
letters  for  the  boys  or  reading  for  them,  administering  medicine  or  helping 
to  dress  wounds.  And  everything  is  done  so  cheerfully  that  one  would  think 
it  was  really  a  pleasure  instead  of  a  disagreeable  task. 

But  the  Medical*  Department  is  unquestionably  the  greatest  institution  in 
the  whole  army.  I  will  not  attempt  to  answer  all  the  questions  I  have  been 
asked  concerning  it,  but  will  say  that'tliere  are  many  true  stories,  and  some 
false  ones,  circvilated  with  regard  to  that  indispensable  fraternity. 

I  think  I  may  freely  say  that  there  is  a  shadow  of  truth  in  that  old  story 
of  "whisky"  and  "incompetency"  which  we  have  so  often  heard  applied  to  in- 
di\'iduals  in  the  Medical  Department,  who  are  intrusted  with  the  treatment, 
and  often  the  lives,  of  our  soldiers.  ■>•  .'  - 

There  is  a  vast  difference  in  Surgeons;  some  are  harsh  and  cruel;  whether 
it  is  from  habit  or  insensibility  I  am  not  prepared  to  say,  but  I  know  the  men 
would  face  a  rebel  battery  with  less  foreboding  than  they  do  somebf  oxir  worthy 
Surgeons.  .  ^  '  - 


.V    7','-- 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER       173 

There  is  a  class  who  seem  to.act  upon  the  principle  of  "no  smart  no  cure," 
if  we  may  be  allowed  to  judge  from  the  manner  in  which  they  twitch  off  band- 
ages and  the    scientific  twists  and  jerks  given  to  shattered  limbs.         ^^ 

Others  again  are  very  gentle  and  tender  with  the  men,  and  seem  to  study 
how  to  perform  the  necessary  operations  with  the  least  possible  pain  to  the 
patients. 

But  the  young  Surgeons,  fresh  from  the  dissecting-room^  when  operating 
in  conjunction  wiih  our  old  Western  practitioners?  forcibly  reminded  me  of 
the  anecdote  of  the  young  collegian  tesiching  his  grandmother  to  suck  an 
egg:  "We  make  an  incision  at  the  apex  and  an  aperture  at  the  base;  then 
making  a  vacuum  with  the  tongue  and  palate,  we  suffer  the  contained  matter 
to  be  protruded  into  the  mouth  byl}.tmospheric  pressure."  "La!  how  strange!" 
said  his  grandmother;  "in  my  day  we  just  made  a  hole  in  each,  end,  and  then 
sucked  it  without  half  that  trouble." 

I  once  saw  a  young  Surgeon  amputate  a  limb,  and  I  could  think  of  nothing 
else  than  of  a  Kennebec  Yankee  whom  I  once  saw  carve  a  Thanksgiving  tur- 
key; it  was  his  first  attempt  at  carxing,  and  the  way  in  which  he  disjointed 
those  limbs  I  shall  never  forget. 


CHAPTER    XXX. 

Closing  Incidents — Prof.  Lowe's  Balloon — Fitz  John  Porter's  Adventure. 
His  Upward  Flight— Reconnoitering  from  a  Dangerous  Position — Cool 
Courage — Enthusiastic  Greeting — An  Earnest  Inquirer — A  Baptism  in 
the  Army— Preaching  by  MoonUght — A  Magnificent  Scene— A  Wedding 
in  Camp— Gay  Times — A  Contrast — Hospital  in  Winchester — Spirit  of 
Revenge — Sable  Heroine— A  White  Darky— Colored  Soldiers — Conclusion. 

In  looking  back  over  the  events  of  the  two  years  which  I  spent  in  the  army, 
I  see  so  much  worthy  of  record  I  scarcely  know  where  to  stop. 

A  most  thrilling  incident  occurs  to  my  mind  at  this  moment  in  connection 
with  Prof,.  Lowe  and  his  balloon,  which  I  must  relate  before  closing.  It  took 
place  while  McCleUan's  army  was  in  front  of  Yorktown. 

Gen.  Fitz  John  Porter  having  been  in  the  habit  of  malting  frequent  ascen- 
sions in  company  with  Prof.  Lowe,  learned  to  go  aloft  alone. 

One  morning  he  stepped  into  the  car  and  ordered  the  cable  to  be  let  out  with 
all  speed.  We  saw  with  surprise  that  the  flurried  assistants  were  sending  up 
the  great  straining  canvas  with  a  single  rope  attached.  The  enormous  bag 
was  OEly  partially  inflatc|4,  and  the  loose  folds  opened  and  shut  with  a  sharp 
report  like  that  of  a  pistol,  .    -     ■ 


■  ^ 


;:■  Ik 


174 


NURSE  AND  SPY. 


Noisily,  fitfully,  the  greet  yellow  mass  rose  toward  the  sky,  the  basket  rock- 
ing like  a  fcr.ther  in  the  breeze.  Presently  a  sound  came  from  overhead  like 
the  explosicn  of  a  shell;  the  cable  hail  snapped  a.s'.:nder,  end  the  balloon  \y,:is 
adrift.  .  ■       •■     ,.. 

All  eyes  were  turned  towcrd  the  recedin^g  car,  where  (jcn.  Porter  sat  in  hi.s 
aerial  castle,  being  borne  heavenward  as  fast  £is  if  on  eagle  wings,  without  the 
power  either  to  check  or  guide  his  upwar.d  flight. 

The  whole  army  was  agitated  bytliis  unwonted  occurrence,  and  the  rebel 
army  evidenth  parte  ok  in  the  general  excitement. 

"Op.}r.  lljc  valvcl  .  Clim!>  to- -the-  netting— and— reach— the'  valve 
rope!" 

"The  valve—  the  valve!"  repeated  a  multitude  of  voices,  but  all  in  vain,  for 
it  was  impossible  to  make  him  hear. 

Soon  the  Signal  Corps  began  to  operate,  and  at  last  the  General  was  made 
to  understand  by  signals  when  it  was  impossible  to  reach  him  by  the  human 
voice.  .        . 

He  apper.rcl  directly  over  Uie  edge  of  the  car,  and  then  clambered  up  the 
nettin.;;  and  reat  bed  for  the  cord,  but  he  was  so  far  al)ovc  us  then,  he  looked  no 
bigger  than  a  great  black  spider. 

It  was  a  weiril  spectacle;  that  frail,  fading  object  floating  in  the  azure  sk>-, 
with  the  muliature  Boat  swinging  silently  beneath,  looking  no  bigger  than  a 
humming  bird's  nest;  and  a  hundred  thousand  brave  hearts  beneath  bcatii>;j 
with  tiie  wildest  e.xciicment  and  v/armcst  sympathy,  yet  powerless  to  render 
the  lejst  assistance  to  their  cx^ilU'd  brother-in  arijis. 

"Had  t!ie  General  been  I'octin;^  down  the  rapitls  of  Niagara  he  could  not 
have  Icen  farther  from  human  assistance." 

We  at  length  saw  him  descend  from  the  netting  and  reappear  over  the  edgp 
of  the  basket,,  and  he  seemed  to  be  motioning  to  the  breathless  crowd  below 
the  story  of  his  failure. 

Soon  after  the  balloon  began  slowly  to  descend,  and  when  we  next  saw  lum 
it  was  with  a  spyglass  in  hand,  reconnoitering  the  rebel  works.  Shouts- of 
joy  and  laughter  went  up  from  tiie  long  lines  of  spectators  as  this  cool  pro- 
cedure was  observed. 

For  a  moment  it  seemed  doubtful  in  which  direction  the  balloon  woidd  float; 
it  faltered  like  an  irresolute  being,  and  at  length  moved  reluctantly  toward 
Fortress  Monroe.  Bursting  cheers,  half  uttered,  quivered  on  every  lip.  All 
eyes  glistened,  and  man\-  v.ere  dim  with  tears.  IJut  the  wayward  canvas 
now  turned  due  west,  and  was  blown  rapidl\-  toward  the  Confederate  works. 

Its  course  wa^  fitfullj-  direct,  and  the  wind  seemed  to  veer  often,  as  if  con- 
trary currents,  con."vcious  of  the  opportunity,  were  struggling  for  the  possession 
of  the  daring  navigator. 

The  south  wind  held  the  mastery  for  awhile,  and  the  balloon  passed  the 
Federal  front  amid  groan.s  of  despair  from  the  i;oldiers.  It  kept  right  on,  over 
sharpshooters,  ritle  pits,  etc.,  until  it  stood  dirtrtly  over  the  rebel  fortilicatioua 


-^     ^ 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       JL75 


\ 


at  Yorktown.  The  cool  courage,' either  of  heroism  or  despair,  seemed  to  seize 
the  General,  for  turning  his  tremendous  glass  upon  the  ramparts  and  masked 
batteries  below,  he  viewed  the  remote  camps,  the  beleaguered  town,  the  guns 
of  Gloucester  Point,  and  distant  Norfolk.  Had  he  been  reconnoitering  from 
a  secure  perch  on  the  top  of  the  moon  he  could  not  have  been  more  ngilant; 
and  the  Confederates  probably  thought  this  some  Yankee  device  to  peer  into 
their  sanctum  in  spite  of  ball  or  shell.  None  of  their  large  guns  could  be 
brought  to  bear  upon  the  balloon,  but  there  were  some  discharges  of  mus- 
ketry, which  seemed  to  have  no  effect  whatever,  and  finally  even  these 
demonstrations  cetised. 

Both  armies  were  gazing  aloft  in  breathless  suspense,  while  the  deliberate 
General  continued  to  spy  out  the  land. 

Suddenly  another  change  of  position,  and  the  air  craft  plunged  and  tacked 
about,  and  steered  rapidly  for  the  Federal  lines  again.  Making  a  desperate 
effort  to  catch  the  valve-rope,  the  General  at  length  succeeded,  and  ginng  it  a 
jerk,  the  balloon  came  suddenly  to  the  ground;  fortunately,  however,  it  struck 
a  tent  as  it  descended,  which  perhaps  saved  the  General  from  any  serious' in- 
juries from  the  fall. 

By  the  time  the  crowd  had  reached  the  spot,  Porter  had  disentangled  hfm- 
sclf  from  the  folds  of  oiled  canvas,  and  was  ready  to  greet  his  anxious  friends; 
and  amid  hearty  congratula,tions  and  vociferous  cheers,-  he  was  escorted  to 
his  quariers. 

As  this  chapter  is  devoted  to  incidents  in  camp,  I  will  try  to  illustrate  the 
variety  of  interesting  events  with  which  oiir  camps  abound. 

After  one  of  the  most  severe  battles  ever  fought  in  Virginia,  and  while  our 
troops  were  still  rejoicing  over  their  victory,  a  young  soldier  sought  the  Chaplain 
for  the  purpose  of  religious  conversation.  Said  the  Chaplain:  "The  tears 
were  in  his  eyes,  and  his  lips  trembled  with  emotion.  I  knew  thai  he  was  in 
earnest.  We  knelt  down  together  and  1  prayed  with  him,  and  he  praj^  for 
himself.  In  this  manner  we  spent  several  hours,  pleading  with  God  in  his 
behalf,  uiitil  light  broke  through  the  darkness,  and  he  arose  from  his  knees 
praising  God." 

Wishing  to  manifest  by  some  outward  sign  his  consecration  to  God  and  His 
service,  he  requested  the  Chaplain  to  baptize  him  by  immersion.  The  next 
day  being  Sabbath,  his  request  was  complied  with,  in  the  presence  of  thousands 
of  his  comrades.  '"*"*  '  ; 7     "'     /  -     ; '     \' 

The  scene  was  a  most  solemn  one,  and  after  the  ordinance  was  administered 
there  was  scarcely  a  dry  eye  in  the  company  to  which  he  belonged. 

In  the  evening  one  of  the  delegates  of  the  Christian  Commission  preached( 
to  an  immense  congregation  of  grim  warriors  seated  on  the  ground— a  littl« 
pine  grove  for  a  church,  the  great  blue  dome  of  heaven  for  galleries,  and  tha 
clear,  bright  rhooh  f6r  A  chandelier.  ' 

The  ^erie  w^  rf  magriific^iit  one.  A  little  to  tiie  right  lay  a  cloUd  of  White 
•ian^as  tenis  stinlng^in  the  moonlight;'  and  just  i)eIow,' in  plain  sigh^^  Were 


.,  /"-• 


■& 


>    ',,..i'j!,' 


pfXi-'^'f:'iio}si\}\  fitfully,  the  great.yellow  mass  rose- to w.ar4  tljc  skj'j  the  baslcep 

j;^5' ^-^jipg  like  a  fegthcr 'in  the  breeze.    Presently  a  «|und  ciraejf^Qm-oywhei^ 

^li^/r: the  explosion  of  a  shell;  the  cable  had  snapped  asunder,  and  thd. balloon i 

i?     .li'i''' ~    .;'■'■'■.      '    '■         ■.■•',    ■  •'  ■.  -    *       ■■.■-■.    ."sV- »  ■       •.  <r  ■•■,..■:.',;.;■,,.'■.■  •■■< 


l?t.»>-^^iv-fTh6Ayhole  army  was,agitatod  by  this  unwonted  occurrence,,  anii  the  .r 

|fi.T^^^^*rn»y  evidently  partcok  in  the 'general  exciteracntr  •,       ;.  ^\'"-:,'\;',^rl^ 
"^  if ;il:^      "Opju— the— valve!  ;  ..  Cllmbh--t(>— thcT-netting— and^"each^thej-n:i 

A.5!,>il      rope.     ■'     •■  ,         ,.    ,   ••.1;,,      :  ......  1.         ■    ■ ■    i 'i 

f^>:'\V'v^'  '**^^°  valvo-^thc  valve!"  repeatcd.amuljitude  of -voices,  but  pU.in  vain, 
^i||'v<'.itVas  impossible  to'makelhim  hear: :' ■  ^'•''?;':';;;,'|;^^";;;^v,':';\;;^.j;,i^^ 
^^HC>^^>39on'the  Signal  Corps  began  to  operate,  and  at  last'thc  General  was  ni 
1^:''  r  to  understand  by  signals  when  it  was  impossilale  to  reach  him  by.  the  hw 


voice. 


y^'^'^'^/v.He  appeared  directly  oyer  l^ic  "edge  of  the  car,  and  then  clanibered,  up 


,'With  the  piniaturc  boat  swinging  silently  beneath.  IpokiniS  no. bigger,  t.lu 

|^^|f  huniming'bifd  s  nest;  apd  a  hundred  thoui5and.br^,ve«)ie£^ts  l)cn.C!iih,J>ea1 

?^^'^^',^-  wi,th  the  wildest  excUcmcpt  and  warmest  synipatjiy,  yet  powerlcjss  to.,  ror 

'#^;^Vi  the  lewt  iassistaucc. tb  their  exalted  brother-in at^is.  •'     ,  ,'  -',".  ^l^  <■.  ;^.t*; 

S,>'Cr5'V  .  "Had  the  General  been  fioctins  down  the  rapids  of  Niagara  he  could' 

Mf^'^  "have  been  -farther  ffom-liumaii  assistance."  ^i  ■''v'''^-.iZ/'^''-'-'^:'r-'''^^^ii^-C', 

H^'^-    >  We  at  lengthsaw  him  descend  fi;oin  the  netting  and  reappear  over  the;  f 

^||fj'cvpf  the  basket,,  and  he  seemed  to  be  motiouiiig  tp  t^  brqathlos^  (i;K;|\vd,b^ 

|^%:,y:--the  stwiy.'of  his  faikirc.  V'-  "•;*-"■•■  •■^•''•'^^v^;'^■:;'■^:■•■^"''%^■^^^ 

?4'* '4.'  *    .    Soon  after  the  balloon '.began  slowly  lo  descend,  and  when  we  next  sdw  J 

ik;j^  i-i:  j  itvWaSiWith  a^spyglasS  in  hiand,  reconnditerinij  the  rebel  worlis.    Shout: 

^l^^tvif^f'  joy  and  laughter  went  Op  from  the  long  lines  of,  spectators  as  tliis.coql.i 

i^^';V^7>  cedure;.was- obserytd:..-- v.^ -^ ...-  '= :'' •• );, "  ■  ••  ^-Viv v'A,;;  :%y5  v"'.:>:i-^rT^^*;;j; 

>^^ "fv;       ^^^'^  *  jnoment  it  seemed  doubtful  in  wliich  direction  the  balloqn  would  fl< 

'^i|;i'l^r     faltered  like  an  irresolute  being,  and  at.  length  mo\;^ed  reluctaiitly  ,t6\» 

^^lyi^i:!  Fortress  Monroe.  .Bursting  cheers,  half  utt,OTed,  quivered  on' evjciry  lip'' j 

.^t^^^f >/"; '  «yes  glistened,  and  many' v/ore  dim  with  tears,  'ijut,  the  wayward.  9an 

"^i-^?^  'i  ^9^  tunied  due  west^  and  was  blown  rapidly  toward  the  Coiifederate  woi 


.  Its  course  was  fitfully  direct,  and  thcwind  seemed  to  veer  of  ten,,  a-'?  jtc 


Ct^' 


K 


^;;/;=?• 


B'^MM 


Me  (T(en<^al;'f6r.  turni^is  Msi  trintiendoos  glioss  upon  the  ramparts  an^  masked    '; 
llSjittwes'below,  %e  Vie^^  the  beleaguered  town,  the  guiis. 

^{Gloucester  Poin^  and  distant  Norfolk.    Had  he  been  reconnoitering  from. 
!a$QCure  perch  on  thp^p  of  the  moon  he  could  hot  have  been  more  vigilant; 
puid  the^Cbiiiedc^^J^  probably  thought  this  some  Yankee  device  to  peer  in to^ . 
ltt\eir  sanctum  in  spite  of  ball  or  shell/ ^'  None  of  their  large  guns  could"  be '  •  : 
ibfoughi' to  (tear  UfMn  the  bkllpbn/ b^^  there  were  some  discharges  of  inus- 
!ketry,  which  seemed  to  have  ho  effect  whatever,  and  finally  even  these     v 
demoi^st^aUoiis  ceased.  ,      ' 
|^'_.  Both  armies  were  gazing  aloft  in  breathless  suspense,  while  the  deliberate    . 
^Generisd  coiqitinued  to  s^y  out  the  land.  -  ,  .    *  -      !, 

0  Suddenly  another  change  of  position,  and  the  air  craft  plunged  and  tacked 
[about,  and  steered  rapi^y  f or  .the  Federal  lines  again.    Making  a  desperate  \. 
^effort  to  catch  the  valve-rop^  tiie  General  at  length  succeeded,  and  ginng  it  a    , ' 
\}«k,  the  balloon  came  suddeiUy  to  the  ground;  fortunately,  however,  it  struck      ' 
[ftieat  as  it  descended,  which  perhaps  saved  the  General  from  any  serious  in-    { 
juries  fron^th(9  fall  r"'. ;  ;  *  '    ■     ^^i 

;iBy  the  time,ihe  crowd  had  reached  the  spot,  Porter  had  disentangled  hun-;' 
^$elf  ^rbni  the  folds of.Oiled  canvas,  and  was  ready  to  greet  his  anxious  frimds;  'v; 
^fiiid  amid' hearty^  congratuls^tions  and  vociferous  che^S;h6~ was  escorted  to     '- 

mjio^ivk;^^^^  .'  ■-  ■■  '-  -^i^^ ;  ■■  _  /;•  j.r^:'' 

WAS'  lldis  chapi^'isdevotM' to  'incidents  in  camp;  I  will  'vry  to  illustrate'th% 
^variety  of 'intaestimfieveats 'with  which  6ilr  camps  ibouhd.     ,  '-'    ''% 

l^fAfteron^pf  "the 'most  severe  battles  ever  fought  iri^Virginla,  and  while'our 
|ir(X)p8  were  sUU  rejoicing  over  then:  victory,  &  young  soldier  sought  the  Chaplain 
P^  -the'^'puipOsS  of' 'teligibiis'* conversation.  Said' the  ChiiJiaiii;  The' tears 
|Wer(l4n'ti^''ey^'isaid'^'H  trembled  with  emotion/  I  kni^  that  he  wia$  in 
^eeumest,.  We  knelt  down'together  and  1  prayed  with  fiirh,  and  he  praj'ed  Tor  ° 
IliiinseU.    In  this  maimer  %e  spent  several  hours,  pleaduig  with  God  in  his  . 

f,V\intil  Ught  broke  through  the  darkness,  and  he  arose  from  hils  knees 
^jpraa^g ' God."^>; ' ■•'•■^ ;i^ .^^^^ 

Wishing  to  manifest  by  some  outward  sign  his  consecration  to  God  and  His 
jservice,  hie 'requ($sted  the  Chaplain  to  baptize  him  by  immersion.  The /next 
£(iay  being  Sabbiabi^li',  liis  request  was  compUed  with,  in  the  presence  of  thousands 

r  his  cwnrades.  '.  ■     ,v-, 

-'The  sca)(Bira^ainost  solemiione,  siad  after  the  ordinance  was  administered 
^there  was  scarcely  a''dry  eye  in  the  company  to  wliich  he  belonged. ' 
lifln  the  evening  one  of  the  delegates  of  the  Christian  Commission  preak;hed( 
l^to  aaimmoise  congregation  of  grim  warrioirs  seated  on  the  ground— a  littld 
tvine  grove  for  a  ehurch,  the  great  blue  dome  of  heaven  for  gallciries,'  and  thei 

pTlw»')fcttiJ^9^tf  ^dagM^  mffle  fo  tbe  righi  la^ 


■>'  ■'.* 


'^::. 


,y  a'tjioud  cJ/ Wflitd 

•hi/  aiid  j^t  beWi'in  i)lain  sigh^  Werlf 


':t 


176  NUKSE  AND  SPY.  r        '         •. 

the  transports  dotting  ^hc  water,  with  their  gleaming  lights  and  star  spangleJ 
banners  floating  in  the  evening  breeze.  All  coiv.bined  to  inake  the  scene  beau- 
tiful and  interesting. 

The  discourse  was  excellent  and  well  rliosen,  and  the  men  listened  with 
profound  attention,  and  I  have  no  doubt  witli  nuich  profit.    Then  was  sung 

Lord,    dismiss   us   with   thy   blcssin^, 

and  the  benediction  being  pronounced,  the  vast  assembly  marched  to  their 
quarters  as  solemnly  as  if  going  from  a  funeral. 

Next  came  a  wedding!    Yes;  a  real  wedding  in  camp.    You  must  Imow 
that  when  military  necessity  prevents  our  youn^:  heroes  from  golnj  ho:ne  J 
to  fuirUl  their  engagements  to  their  devoted  fair  ones,  it  is  the  privilege  of  the   ' 
waiting    damsels,  in  war    times,  to  remove  all  unnecessary  obstaclen,  and 
facilitate  matters  by  declaring  themselves  in  favor  of  the  union,  and  claiming 
their  lovers  on  the  field.  « 

This  wedding  was  a  grand  affair,  and  took  place  in  a  camp  which  was  very   ^ 
prettily  decorated,  being  picturesquely  arranged  among  pine  trees — just  the 
most  romantic  place  imaginable  for  such  an  event  r ;  ii 

A  little  before  noon  the  guests  began  to  arrive  in  large  numbers.  Among 
them  were  Gens.  Hooker,  Sickles,  Carr,  Mott,  Hobart,  Ward,  Revere,  Bartlett, 
Birney,  and  Berry.  . 

The  troops,  looking  their  very  best,  formed  a  hollow  square,  in  the  center  -, 
of  which  a  canopy  was  erected,  and  an  altar  formed  of  drums. 

The  Generals  marched  into  the  square.  Gen.  Hooker  leading  the  van,  and 
grouped  themselves  on  each  side  of  the  altar,  the  band  struck  up  "Hail  to  the,  ,1 
Chief,"  and  on  the  appearance  of  the  bridal  party  the  "Wedding  March"  was.-<; 
played.  ■ ,; 

The  day  was  cold  and  wlhdy,  with  a  few  snowflakes  interspersed, ;  which  j;i^ 
made  the  ladies  in  attendance  look  very  much  like  "blue  noses";  but  the  blush-  '''< 
ing  bride  bore  the  cold  and  the  admiring  glances  of  the  .soldiers  like  a  martyr, 
and  retained  her  dignity  and  self-possession  tliroughout  the  ceremony  wortliy 
of  a  heroine,  as  she  was. 

To  add  to  the  dramatic  effect  of  the  scene,  a  line  of  battle  was  formed  by    i 
the  remaining  troops  in  that  section,  a  short  distance  from  camp,  to  repel  an 
expected  attack  of  the  enemy. 

The  ceremony  having  been  performed,  dinner  was  announced,"  and  all  par- 
took of  the  good  things  provided  for  the  occasion.  '  -;■  " 

After  dinner,  came  numerous  toasts,  speeches,  songs,  and  music  from  the 
bands,  and,  to  close  up  the  day  in  good  style,  a  regular  military  ball  was  held 
and  fireworks  exhibited  in  the  evening,  "and  on  the  whole,"  a  newspaper  cor- 
respondent says,  "it  entirely  echpsed  an  opera  at  the  Academy  of  Music." 

I  have  before  alluded  to:  the  vindictive  spirit  manifested  by  the  wonnpn  of  j 
Virginia  toward  our  soldiers.  I  will  illustra^  this  fact  by  an  incident  whi({li  % 
took  place  in  one  of  the  hospitals  just  after  a  severe  battle^  '  >;     '      •. 


z*.;*^'   --^.fr**^ 


ADVENTURES  OP  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.       177 


t  ■•- 


Many  wounded  soldiers,  both  Union  and  Confederate,  were  brougiit  into 
the  town  of  Wincliester,  and  placed  in  the  churches  and  courthouse  side  by 
side.  -  <  :" 

The  ladies  (bcj  pardon,  ladies,  I  mean  females)  of  tliat  place  brought  into 
the  hospitals  many  things  to  nourish  and  tempt  t'^c  appetites  of  the  sufferers, 
but  they  gave  all  these  delicacies  to  the  Confederate  sjliicrs;  our  mon  were 
passed  by  as  unworthy  of  notice  or  sympathy.  t 

One  day  a  lad>',  who  had  been  a  constant  Aii-.tir,  brouf^ht  in  a* supply  of 
fragrant  tea.  She  went  from  one  c  )t  to  another  of  Iisr  frlcn  Is.  but  had  no  eye 
or  heart  of  pity  for  others. 

One  of  our  woi:nded  men,  who  lay  near  his  cnL  l.r.i  ;cd  for  a  cup  of  tiis  tea 
as  he  saw  it  handed  to  those  around  hlin,  an  I  re  uieSiSJ  the^  Chaplain,  who 
stood  by  his  side,  to  ask  tlic  lady  for  a  Utile  of  tlio  tc.i. 

He  did  so  in  a  very  polite  manner,  at  the  same  time  telHn  ;  her  liow  ill  the 
man  was,  and  that  it  was  tlic  soldier  himself  who  wished  him  to  make  the  re- 
quest. 

"No,"  said  she,  and  her  fare  flushed  with  anger;  "not  a  drop  of  it;  this  tea 
is  all  for  our  suffering  martyrs." 

The  Chaplain  replied:  "iladam,  I  looked  for  no'othcr  answer.  I  bej  pard  .n 
for  having  seemed  for  a  moment  to  expect  a  different  one." 

A  few  moments  afterwards,  as  the  poor  disappointed  man  lay  there  seeing 
the  delicious  tea  passed  on  all  sides  of  him  and  could  not  procure  a  drop  of  it, 
an  old  lame  nejro  v.'oman  came  limping  up  the  aisle  with  a  large  basket  on 
each  arm. 

Coming  up  to  where  the  Chaplain  stood,  she  laid  down  the  baskets  and  adr 
dressed    him    thus: 

"Massa,  Ise  a  slave,  my  husban'  and  chil'en  is  slaves.  Will  you  'cept  desc 
tings  for  de  poor  men?" 

Thentaldnguparollof  stockings,  she  said:  "Bern  I  knit  wid  ray  own  hands 
for  de  coldiers,  when  all  sleep  in  my  cabin.  We  know'd  dis  war  wfis  comin' 
long  'fore  you  Yankees  did.  Vfc  see  it  'proaching,  an'  we  began  to  prep:ire 
for   it." 

Then  taking  packagesof  tea,  cans  of  fruit,  pears  and  peaches,  hnt,  linen 
for  bandages,  and  pocket-handkerchiefs,  she  said:  "Massa,  permit  me  to 
give  you  dcse  for  de  poor  men.  I  have  not  stole  'em.  My  own  hands  have 
earned  'em  over  dc  washtub.  I  wish  to  do  something  for  de  Union  soldiers, 
Lord  bless  'em I" 

"As  she  talked,"  says  the  Chaplain,  "she  grew  more  earnest,  and  lool#ing 
around  on  the  mutilated  men,  the  tears  rolled  down  her  black  face,  and  fell 
on  her  hands,  as  she  lifted  the  treasures  out  of  the  baskets  and  handed  them 
to  me." 

Our  sidf  men  looked  with  wonder  and  admiration  on  the  old  colored  woman, 
and  soon  a  hundred  voices  cried  out  "God  bless  you,  aunty  I  You  are  the  only 
white  woman  we  have  seen  since  we  came  to  Winchester."       .  — 


Ir 


.« 


^■^ 


"^l^e  transpprts  dottinjfthiBvWaterV  with  their  gleaming  lightis  and  StarsspinfflKJj 

ibahhtes  floftUns  in  the  cvcnmg  breeze. •  AH  cdiiibin^d ta^ali'tfthft  sfpn&W 

ifei'>''i>-' "■  J-" •  r    ■  !•    ■  .'   '"'."■  ■..'•'■.''* .•••7  •'■•■-   ■,•         ^„";>V,*'''';'h.v-'i'v  €•//'■''■> V.virfjil 
'^ytiful^iai^intqrestmj.  ;;-_^^'.;   ^r  'vv  ■^- •■:;....•;•;.•■■.■;' '■,  "^>v    •^'.■v^  '^1^;-''\i^-^^";?f^ 

IjTnef  discourse  was  exceiient'aiid  well  chosen^  and-  th?  njeii  listened  :!^ith 


^quart^s  as  solemnly .  as  if  going  from  a  funeral 

^C^-N§xtjcamc  a  wedding!  Yes;  a  real  wedding  in  camp.  You  must  Jmow^ 
Ppc that  When'  mihtairy,  necessity  prevents  our  youaj  heroes  from  going  h63it}*i| 
^;' to  fiilfill  their  engagements  to  their  devoted  faiir  ones,  it  is  the  pri:rilcge.of  the -fj 

^^waiting'" damsels,  in  war  limes,,  to  remove  all  uixneccssnry  obstacles,  and::  i- 

^f  facilitate  matters  by  declaring  themselves  in  favor  of  th6  union,  and  claiming-;yi| 
^heir  lovera  on  the'lield:;/ ■'..;.■,:  ;'.^  "".■,/■•■■:■-  '  •  i;.^/::X;;.;/:]vij| 
ite?//;tThi»  wedding  was  a  grand  aflair,  and  took  place  in  a  camp  which  waS  tery' ':?$| 


>  them  were  Gens.  Hooker,  Sickles,  Carr.Mptt,  Hobart,  W^d,  Revere,  Bartlctt,.' 

^;Biniey,(and' Berry/;. .^  :..V;v;  V'^'-'^'c^  ^C  '  '''  --•-■•^-•■^%' 'v'-^^-J^'^S^ 
^|lt-  The  troops, looking  their  very, best,  formed  a  hollow  squaxe.afl-thclcqnt^ri  ;*^| 
||?^:J of  which  a  canopy  was  erected,  and  an  altar  formcddf  drums. r^-;-;vt.'::i7:/.^V3 
i^-i'  The  Generals  marched  into  the  square.  Gen.  Hooker  leading  the  van,  ajidil/.t* 


^iThe  dajT  was  cold  and  wihdy,  with  a  few  snowflakes  intersperi^^dj^t.wluch'fe^ 
l^jnade  the  ladies  in  attendanci^  look  very  much  like  ''blue noses";  but, tb^b^yshfi:'!^ 
I^^g  bride  bore  the  cold  and  the  admiring  glances  of  the  soldiers  likeA'  martyriif  :^ 
f/ahdretainedb?!:  dignity  and  ^elf-possession  ihroujgh,b1it'theV^empriy;wp^^ 
^;pf"a  heroin^  as  she  was.''  ;  ,  .  ,     .^      ■ "  ''^  ''  ■..  ^""' ■'^|,?'tij^.'v'^i^l^ 

^gl>To  add  to  the  dramatic  effect  of  the  sc6ne,  a  line  of  battle' was  ^formed -by  >|^ 
^ihe  remaining  troops  in  that  section,  a  short  distance  from  cainp,'  to  repel  ah  > 'J 
^^pected:attack:of  tha^enemy.;^  •\:; '.'.  Z^';  •; '''  ^:;':  ■'■V':;■':^0.^^•1.^/?^;{J?p 
^^^}The  ceremony  having  been  perfprmed,  dinner  was  aiinounced/  and  «J1  par-v^^!^^ 
|*topk  pf  the  good  things  provided  for  the  occasion. '  y '  ;  ':Citi'4^^*^>^'i^0:-:)'-  '%P-;m 
i^^Alter.dirmer,  came  numerous  toasts,  speeches,  songs,  and'  music  frpin'the'':^^^^^ 
p; btmds,  iand,  to  close  up  the  day  in  good  style,  a  reguDso'    military  ball  Was  held  i^M 
||. and  fireworks  exliibited  in  the  evening,  "and  on  the  whole,"  a  nevrspaper  cor- ':  ■ .  j™ 
■;Vrespondent  says,  "it  entirely  eclipsed  an  opera  at  the  Aca<iemy  of  Mdsic.".v'\i'7Y 
M^^v  I  hfi,ife  before -alluded  ta' the  vindictive  spirit  manifested  by  the  womwi:Qf  Q^'^ 
l^^iVirgima-toward  our  soldiers..  I  will.illustrai(B  thisfact  by  an  incident  .whi<sbo;t^ 
I'itook  place  in  one  of  the  hospitals:  justaftcr  a  severe  .battle  ••V''tfyVi^;5£;'^V^^^ 

iJBiffiiill'ffi 


ii;^;!^  ADVIOTUIIES  of;  i:  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDffi  1T7      •:   :    ;:. 

'f  s vMany ^wounded  sol^c^s^/ both  XJmoil  and  Confederate,  wq-e  brougiit into ,  :« ^  :■  i*;^ti 
I'the  town  of  Winchester,  iuxd  placed  in  the  churches  and  courthbvise  side  by   ' 


^:^; 


V: 


I  ^^llio  ladies  (bc2  \piWon,  IMies,  feinale-s)  of  that  pkco  brought  into 

|!the  hospitals  nutny  tlungs  to  nourish  and  tompt  t|ic  appetites  of  the  sufferers,  •'     ^     .^  , 
biittliey  gave  all  these  deUcacies, to  the  Confedsrate  soldiers;  our  m»n  were-         '  vi;'^^ 
pVp^sed  by  as  unworthy  of  notice  or  sympathy. 
^?iy-  One  day  a  lady,  who  had  be«i'a  constant  visitor,  broujlit  in  a'supply  of 

fraffrant  tea.    She  went  frdm  one  cot  to  another  of  her  friends,  but  had  no  eye      /.   '^^ 
or  heart  of  pity  for  others,     p  '  -• 

r  One  of  our  wounded  nien,  who  lay  near  his  end,  lont.al  for  a  cup  of  this  tea 
as  he;  saw  it  handed  to  those  aro^md  him,  and  requested  the  Cliaplain,  who 
stood  by  his  side,  to  ask  the  lady  for  a  littleof  tha  t*».  •; 

.  Pl&did  so  in  a  very  poHte  manner,  at  tlie  sams  time  teSliag  hef  haw  ill  the  ■ 
man  was,  and  that  it  was  the  soldier  himself  who  wished  him  to  make  the  re-  Ju 

qxxcst.        .-.•..■  -^  •  •   •     '.,"..-:.-J 

'  "No,"  said  sh'^  and  her  fare. flushed  with  anger;  "not  a  drop  of  it;  this  tea       v  •     v" ' 
^V'   is  all  for  our  sufferp  J  martyrs."  •   -.vi. 

»■'         The  Chaplain  repHcd:'  "Madam,  I  looked  for  no'other  answer.    Ibegpardoa   •''/>' 
for  having  sccmtod  for  a  moment  to  e.xpcct  a  dlllcrent  one."  ^  ^>)?^ 

"^  A  few  moments  afterwards,  as  the  poor  disappointed  man  lay  there  seeing.  -  .-j.  it  '.  ^ 
|/  the  deUdous  tea  passed  on  all  sides  of  him  and  could  not  procure  a  drop  of  it, '  .  '  \  '  /  ., 
}:.'  ah  6ld  lame  ^e▼ro  woman  came  Umping  up  the  aisle  with  a  largo  basket  on  '--J-jy 
'^}  ■  each  arm.  ;■;'■'. :>ii...:.. ■hi'.":"':-, •  ^:v,--  .,  '••  ..■.*•  ■•  ..'•■  ::  .■.-.  '.  uj\-  ^-.f:-]^^ 
Iv^  Coming  up  to  where  the Chapdain  stood,  she  laid  down  the  baskets  and  ad?  xr'  .v  >; 
|-,:dr^ed-  hSmvthus:t;/:4^-,   ,     ■■.:,■  .:.\Z^^^)0l 

§y',,  ,i"Massa,  I'se  a  slave,  my  husban'  and  chil'en  is  slaves.  Will  you  'cept  deso  ■e4''''>^:^:^l 
|(,.,'tmgs  for^dc  poormcnT'V^^v.'^^^^^^y^^  -V  :,-■.-    ^,.^  ■  ^  ^>/  ;-..., ,.^;■'  :^/y,':['^'^-\^^, 

^■.A.;  r  /  Then  taking  up  a  roll  bflstockings,  she  said:  "Dem  I  knit  wid  my  own  hands  ^  -,  '^  y^i 
>fj\  for  de  soldiers,  when  alj^-sleep  in  my  cabin.  We  know'd  dis  war  was  comin)  ^  ;^\^;1;>,^ 
^,  long  'for©  you  Yankeies  did;    Vyc  s^  it  'proacliing,  an'  we  began  to  prepjire^     'V^H^ 

l':\  for  it.-.- 1.;^:  ■:^:^i^l  i'^^'l^y-:  >  --.^ .  •:      _       ;  ■  .  /   V  ■^■-  ■    -: ,..  :V',^'''' ;;-[•■;:■ 

Then  taJdng  packiE^ges'9f  tea,  cans  of  fruit,  pears  and  peaches,  lint,"  lineii 
^^..  foir  bandages,  and  pocket-handkerchiefs,  she  said:   ,"Massa,  permit  me  to  - 
vjv'j  give  you  dcse  for  de  poor  men.    I  have  not  stole  'em.    My  own  hands  have   - 

eaim'ed  'em  over  de  washtub.    I  wish  to  do  something  for  de  Union  soldiers,       .  }  Vfi 

Lord  bless 'em!"     '  '  • '    '  ...;/..; 

f  f As  she  talked,''  says  the  Chaplain,  "she  grew  more  earnest,  and  looWng  '.'•!•:■ /^ 
1;^;*^  around  .on  the  mutilated  men,  the  tears  rolled  down  her  black  face,  and  fell  ;-;.j\^  ;\  *  i 
I  i  •  on  h«  hands,  as  she  lifted  the  treasures  out  of  the  baskets  and  handed  them  './'^^  .•  •-; 
^:  to-  .me.T  ■■  •  ■■.;  ....:^A^-::..-:..-.:-; '  :>    V,  _  •  y   ^:-.  ■;:;■;  :^-;:^h, 

p;,  '  Our  sick  mfcn  looked  with  wonder  and  admiration  on  the  old  colored  woman,'  f  •-  ,.^  * - 
V  :  and  soonii'hundred^voices  cried  out  "God  bless  you,  aunty l-  You  are  the  only  <?  .  's  :*. 
IJ  ^  white  woman  we  haye  seen  since  we  came  to  Wmchester." :     : .  »"  ••.'^r  ■■  .<«:  o       ;  '•  V 

?»:'M*       ■;    ;-    .  /;..    ,  ,.,        ;  •■     '..   '    ;      .    .  -'■  .  '•    ^  ■  ;:-.;■'■■'" 


■ii  .--.        -.-i:'.  .tv'V    ■•■•''       -t"  ■■■>' -     '•.■■•.:'  ^ 


.*, 


?  -  -I  ■--  ^V3ri'j*>rait-  ■/  ,.r.    '■:  4     ,r  ■  ^    K-i ,'    ;     ,         « -  -  .  ■  .  .       *  '  V       ,  .      '  ,*  •    ■  •   I  ■  .-. »     t     ■  I,    -■    - .- » I    - 


{^i:^^:  ■¥; 


178 


NURSE  AND  SPY. 


Some  people  assert  that  colored  people  h&ve  no  souls.  Which,  think  you, 
acted  most  as  if  lacking  soul — the  black  or  the  white  Woman  in  the  hospital  at, 
Winchester? 

The  devotion  of  the  negro  woman,  as  manifested  in  the  hospital,  is  a  perfect 
sample  of  the  devotion  of  the  contrabands,  male  and  female,  to  the  Union  cause. 

And  now  that  the  time  has  come  when  the  colored  men  are  permitted,  by 
the  laws  of  the  land,  to  assume  the  privileges  of  rational  beings,  and  to  go 
forth  as  American  soldiers  to  meet  their  cruel  oppressors  on  the  bloody  field, 
there  is  evidently  as  great,  if  not  greater,  enthusiasm  and  true  patriotism 
manifested  by  them  as  by  any  troops  in  the  United  States  army. 

And  still  furtfier — it  has  been  proved  satisfactorily  within  the  last  12  months 
that  the  colored  troops  endure  fatigue  as  cheerfully,  and  fight  as  well  (and 
get  less  pay)  as  any  of  the  white  troops.  Thank  God,  this  is  one  great  point 
gained  for  the  poor  down-trodden  descendants  of  Africa. 

I  imagine  I  see  them,  with  their  great  shiny  eyes  and  grinning  faces,  as 
they  march  to  the  field  singing:  ' 

We  are  goin'  out  of  slavery;  we  are  bound  for  freedom's  light;*'  - 

Oh!  we're  de  bully  soldiers  of  de  "First  of  Arkansas," 

We  are  fightin'  for  de  Union,  we  are  fightin'  for  de  law, 

We  can  hit  a  rebel  furder  dan  a  white  man  eber  saw,  ! 

As   we   go    marchin'    on. 

Glory,   glory,   hallelujah,  etc 

■  t 
See  dar!  above  de  center,  where  de  flag  is  wavin'  bright; 
We  are  goin'  out  of  slavery;  we  are  bound  for  freedom's  light; 
We  mean  to  show  Jeff  Da\1s  how  de  Africans  can  fightl 

Glory,   glory,   hallelujah,   -  • 

Glory,   glory,   hallelujah, 

Glory,   glory,   hallelujah, 

As  we  go  marching  on.  >  /■ 


And  now,  what  shall  I  say  in  conclusion?  The  war  still  continues — our 
soldiers  are  daily  falling  in  battle,  and  thousands  are  languishing  in  hospitals 
or  in  Southern  prisons;  and  I  for  montlis  past  have  not  given  even  a  cup  of 
cold  water  to  the  sufferers.  I  am  ashamed  to  acknowledge  it!  But  when  I  look 
around  and  see  the  streets  crowded  with  strong,  healtlrj'  young  men  who  ought 
to  be.  foremost  in  the  ranks  of  their  country's  defenders,  I  am  not  only 
ashamed,  but  I  am  indignant! 

To  prove  to  my  friends  that  I  am  not  ambitious  of  gaining  the  reputation 
of  that  venerable  gentleman  (Halleck)  whose  "pen  is  mightier  than  his  sword," 
I  am  about  to  return  to  the  army  to  offer  my  services  in  any  capacity  which 
will  best  promote  the  interests  of  the  Federal  cause — no  matter  how  perilous, 
the  position  -may  be.  " 


m ' '-  "..^  "'■■■ 


,'■     .   ».  ■-.■,.* 


>      'V,.       V 


^       ADVENTURES  OF  A  WOMAN  AS  A  UNION  SOLDIER.        179 

A      .  ,    -':    .  .,,-..  .       . 

'  '  J  .'"""=  ^  -    .  -  -  *        ■  '^ .   '  ■ 

\  * 

And  now  I  lay  aside  my  pen,  hoping  that  after  "this  cruel  war  is  over,"  and 
pea:e  shall  have  once  more  shed  her  sweet  influence  over  our  land,  I  may  be 
permitted  to  resume  it  again  to  record  the  annihilation  of  rebellion,  and  the 
final  triumph  of  Truth,  Right,  and  Liberty. 

0  L.ird  of  Peace,  who  art  Lord  of  Righteousness, 
>  Constrain  the  anguished  worlds  from  sin  and  grief, 

Pierce  them  with  conscience,  purge  thera  with  redress,        '     , 
And  give  us  peace  which  is  no  counterfeit! 

[the  exd,] 


i'i 


/ 


y  -' . 


\      .' 


,  1 


■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•i«a*Miiii«iii«i 

■ 

•         DESCRIPTIVE    CATALOGUE 


-□F- 


e 


© 

m 


reat  War  Books.  1 


H 

■ 
O 


PUBUSHED    BY    |  ; 

THE  NATIONAL  TRIBUNE, 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 


©      This  is  the  most  important  list  of  war  books 

M  published.     Their   contents   are  accttrate   his- 

I  torically,  and,  at  the  same  time,  as  entertaining 

•  as  romances   of  the  Middle  Ages.      In  these 

£  volumes,  as  in   no  others,  are   described   the 

bearing  and  courage  of  our  own  people  while 

engaged  in  the  greatest  war  of  modem  times. 

't'hese  books  are  all  copyrighted.     They  are 

very  substantially  and  attractively  bound  in 

leatherette — a  material  that  wears  better  than 

cloth.     They  are  not  "cheap"  books,  except 

in  price.  ,  , 


SI  KLECC 


B 


Bis  Transformation   from   a   Raw  Recruit  to 

a  Veteran. 


Most   Enlertftlnng   Book    Evar    Printed.      Large    Type; 
320  Pages;    Leatlierette  Cover. 

Proftiasly  Illustrated  > by  the  Inl]n:.ii1)le  CoOln,  'vhoss   Pictures   Vividly 
Portray  Every  Cliaii;ias  Scene  of  ths  Text. 

HE  TRANSFORMATION  OF  MORE  THAN 
2,000,000  young,  brave,  enthusiastic,  but  wholly 
undisciplined,  American  bojs  into  hardy,  aca- 
sone<l  veterans,  the  equals  of  which  the  world 
never  saw,  is  always  a  story  of  the  most  fsisci- 
ualing  interest.  ,         -    .    . 

It  was  a  proceas  full  of  the  most  terrible 
earnestness  to  every  boy  who  underwent  it.  yet 
its.  most  tryins  incidents  frequently  alx»nnded 
in  the  most  ludicrous  features,  at  which  no  ono 
laughed  more  heartily  than  the  boy  himself 
after  he  graduated  in  the  grand  school  of  aitual 
war. 

No  account  of  these  expei  iences  has  ever  ap- 
proached the  widespread  popular  favor  extended 
to  "Si  Klegg  and  Shorty."  The  sketches  were  written  by  one  who  as 
a  boy  had  actually  cone  through  the  fullest  measure  of  the  experience, 
either  for  himself  or  his  immediate  comrades.  He  described  them  so  well 
and  vividly  that  every  veteran  in  the  country  at  once  recognised  them  as  his 
own — a  faithful  portrayal  of  the  ordeal  through  which  he  had  himself  gone. 
They  told  exactly  what  he  underwent  in  l>ecoming  a  rcil  soldier  better  than 
he  could  do  it  himself.  They  revived  a  tbonsand  fadinij  memories  of  the 
camp,  the  drill-gronnd,  the  march  and  the  battlefield.  They  took  him 
through  every  changing  experience,  from  the  feelings  with  which  he  signed 
his  name  to  the  enli^^tment  roll  and  started  from  -his  dear  old  home,  to  his 
tribnlations  in  learning  the  drill  and  regulations,  in  .nccnRtoming  himself  to 
the  Government  rations  and  slumbering  on  the  soft  «ide  of  a  rail,  to  the 
fatigues  of  the  march  and  the  awful  strain  of  battle. 

These  sketches  have  been  laughed  at  and  cried  over  in  10,000  homes  of 
veterans,  in  Post  rooms,  at  carapfires,  and  wherever  the  survivors  of  the  war 
Lave  gathered-together  by  twos  or  threes  or  by  hundreds. 

Price,  pof^tpaid  to  any  address,  35  cents. 

Addi-ess       THE  NATIONAL  TRIBUNE.  Wasliington,  D.  C. 


ORKI-Aitn. 


FURTHER  MfSttAPS 


BY  JOHN  McELROy.       -    ^ 

'  ■  *.  -     "    .  ■  '■■  y  >    -  _  ■     ■ 

"^^— ■' 111    '        -.■.,> 

Illustrated  with   Hundreds  pf    Illustrar 
tions  by  Klemroth. 

448  Pages ;  Leatherette  Cover. 

ORPORAL  SI  KLEGb  ANS^HIS  COM- 
rade  Shorty  have  become  historic  characters. 
They  are  the  embotliment  of.  the  patriotic 
Union  soldier  who  went  into  the  army  in  1861 
and  fought  through  the  wa^.to:  the  finish. 
Their  experiences  form  those  of  the,  raw  recruit, 
and,  in  the  co;arse  of  time  the  seasoned  veteraq. 
They  pass  through  the  ¥icissit|^b8  of  .the/;  un- 
welcome discipline  incident  to l^e.iliraosrorii^ 
tion  of  a  country  boy  into  a  soldier.  ;  .  fe 
They  encounter  the  dangers  of  the  bkittlefi^ 
and  the  wearinesss  of  the  tiyesolme  njarclj.' 
Under  all  these  circumstances  these  boys  (Si* 
their  part  manfully,  hiavipg,  their  nps  aSd 
downs,  their  hard  times  and  their  ^ood  times, 
with  a  succession  of  comical  blunders,  brilliant 
achieveinents  and  stirring  adventures  which 
make  up  the  panorama  o!  a  soldier's  daily  lijfe. 
Several  new  characters  are  introduced  in  this 
volume.  ^  Ameng  them  may  be  mentioned  tlia 
Jew  Spy  and  Deacon  Klegg,  Si's  "pap,"  who 
visits  the  arrny  to  see  the  boys,  and  falls  into 
many  trying  places,  from  all  which,  however, 
the  old  man's  hard  sense  and  good  fortune  com- 
bined extricate  him,  and  he  goes  back  full  oJE 
experiences  to  relate  to  *'  mother  and  the  girls.". 
This  book  will  be  keenly  appreciated  by 
those  who  received  a  previous  volume  treating 

of  the  early  military  career  of  our  heroes,  under  the  title  of  "  Si  Klegg>'? 

This  record  is  simply  the  continuation  of  the  same  story,  although  it  treats 

of  a  different  period  of  the  war.  ,. 

Alexander  Dumas  or  Charles  Lever  never  wrote  a  more  interesting  booj^ 

descriptive  of  a  soldier's  life  than  is  here  presented  by  the  author  of  "  Tha 

f'arther  Mishaps  to  Si  and  Shorty." 

.  PHc«,  postjpiai4  to  4|nf^  s^ddress,  S5S  ceMts.         •  ^i<  r* 

■Address       THE  NATIONAL  TRIBUNE,  WasMogton,  D.  C.  ' 


Si's  "  Pap  "  on  the  Way 

TO  THE   FEONT. 


Ji      1    >V_  A 


THE  BOY  SPY  IN  DIXIE. 

Service  Under  tlie  Shado^w  of  the 

Scaffold. 


SURHEnOEItl 


By  J.O.  KERBEY. 

Fully   lllustre^ted  by  the  Surpassing  Skill    of   Cofflhf 
Large  Type;  384  Pages;  Leatherette  Cover. 

HE  MYSTERY  WHICH  ENSHROUDS 
the  life  of  a  spy  is  one  of  tiie  nevei> 
fading  charms  of  the  stories  of  war. 
Tlie  experiences  of  the  men  who  take 
their  lives  in  their  hands  when  they 
enter  the  contest  of  snbterfage,  risking 
death  in  the  battle  of  wit  and  deceit, 
fall  upon  ears  that  never  tire.  Stories 
of  sach  adventares  have  the  same  fasci- 
nation which  attend  the  exploits  of  free- 
booters, the  daring  of  navigators  in  nit- 
knowu  seas  and  the  doings  of  banters 
in  nntroddeu  wilds.  \ 

Sach  .1  narrative  is  the  one  told  by 
the  Boy  Spy  in  Dixie.  It  is  a  relation 
of  stirring  episodes* among  enemies,  In 
the  face  of  the  gibbet,  '  The  author, 
while  .1  mere  yooth,  was  sent  by  the 
great  War  Secretary  into  the  heart  oi 
the  Confederacy.  *     ' 

Herein  the  midst  of  constant  peril  he 
watched  the  doings  of  Jeff  Davis  and  his  Cabiuet  and  the  Confederate  Con- 
gress, and  by  means  of  a  correspondence  in  cypher  sent  forward  day  by  day 
tp  the  Government  at  "SVa.shington  the  report?  of  his  observations.  His'ex- 
periences  were  varied  and  trying.  At  times  he  was  in  the  confidencie  of 
those  high  in  authority  in  the  Confederacy,  and  again  an  object  of  suspicion. 
Finally,  by  stress  of  circumstances,  he  wjis  compelled  to  enlist  and  beco.iio 
a  Confederate  artilleryman;  and,  being  ordered  with  the  command  to  Cum- 
berland (Jap,  deserted  fi-om  the  rebel  army  and  esc:>ped  into  Kentucky, 
finding  his  way  dnce  more  to  tlw  protection  of  the  Union  flag.  No  sooner 
bad  he  reported  at  "Washington,  however,  than  he  was  again  sent  on  a 
perilous  expedition  within  the  Confederate  lines  at  Fredericksburg,  and  oqce 
more  found  himself  in  Richmond.  Every  day  added  to  his  jeopardy.  He 
was  not  only  a  Union  spy,  but  a  relel  deserter. 

In  the  midst  of  all  his  perils,  however,  our  author  found  time  for  pas- 
sages of  gallantry  among  the  Southern  belles,  aud  incidentally  we  are  given 
vivid  glimpses  of  social  life  at  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  that  might 
well  grace  the  pa23s  of  a  novel  dealing  in  the  arts  of  Igve  rather  than  the 
cruelties  of  war. 

1  laving  es<'aped  all  these  desperate  chances  and  saved  his  neck,  the  "Boy 
Spy"  now,  a  generation  after  the  scenes  have  past,  gives  to  us  a  thrilling 
story  rich  with  detail,  wherein  he  tells  w'.iat  he  saw  and  how  he  escaped  the 
fate  which  he  dared  day  after  day.     '  •  '      -■'    . 

Price,  postpaid  to  any  address,  25  cents. 

Address       THE  NATIONAL  TRIBUifE.  WasMngton  D.  a 


"THE  CANNONEER." 


,•^ 


t 


BY   AUGUSTUS    BUELL. 


Story    of    a    Private    Soldier. 


Fully  and  Graphically  Illustrated;    384  Pages)  Leather- 
ette Cover. 

HE  CANNONEER  IS  A  WONDERFUL 
book,  sach  as  very  rarely  appears  in  litera- 
tare.  It  is  one  that  appeals  directly  to  tb« 
popular  heart — to  all  who  love  and  ad-mire 
courage,  loyalty,  and  devoted  service.  The 
author  Avas  a  volunteer,  but  early  in  his 
service  was  transferred'  to  one  of  the  finest 
batteries  in  the  Regular  Army,  and  which 
did  some  of  the  very  hardest  fighting  in 
the  War  of  the  Rebellion.  From  Aatietam 
to  Appomattox  it  was  constantly  engaged, 
and  nearly  always  in  the  very  forefront  ot 
battle.  Its  terrible  fighting-  at  Antietam, 
Oettysburg,  and  Betliesda  Chnrch  was  nn- 
precedented  in  the  history  of  light  artillery. 
The  attention  is  caught  at  the  very  first 
and  held  to  the  end.     "rhe  men — Generals, 

battery; officers  and  private? — whom  ha  describes  are  pictured  so  admirably 
that  they  become  personal  acquaintances  and  friends,  and  the  reader  ^ets 
bi^at^lessly  interested  in  theiu.  The  scenes  of  camp  and  march  are  wonder- 
fully irne  to  lit6,  and  call  up  a  flood  of  memories  in  the  breast  of  every  old 
soldier. 

'Hie  features  of  the  Ixxjk  are: 

1.  Tlie  real  iife  and  experiences  of  a  private  soldier  in  a  fighting  battery. 

2.  Wonderfully  fresh  and  vivid  descriptions  of  the  battles  of  Antietam, 
Gettysburg,  the  Wilderness,  Spottsylva'nia;  the  terrible  fighting  from  there 
to  the  James  River;  the  short-range  duel  with  a  rebel  battery,  which  was 
destroyed;  the  assaults  on  the  rebel  lines  at  Petersburg;  the  months  of  fight- 
ing and  dijrgiii^  in  front  of  that  stronghold;  the  battles  of  Opequan  and 
Cedar  Creek,  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley;  the  decisive  little  battle  at  Five 
B^orks,  which  forced  Lee  out  of  liis  vorks:  the  relentless  pursuit  of  the  rebel 
army,  and  the  surrender  at  AppDmattox.     All  this  is  clearly  told. 

_  3.  Carefiilly-dra\vn  dia<iraBis  of  the  various  battlefields,  corrected  from 
the  War  Department's  surveys. 

4.  A  vast  number  of  new  tacts  and  figures  regarding  those  battles,  the 
numbers  of  the  opposiufj  foraas,  the  organizations  on  both  sides,  and  the  losses. 
{Price,  paslpaid  to  any  address,  35  cents. 

'  AadrW      THir  NAUONAti  TRIBUNK  li!?'aslu?ston.  D,  (X 


/ 


.i'-    jf    .?■• 


;^  ■/,  ^:->.iF-;.;.-    . 


THE 


American  Conflict 


Practically  a  Complete  History  of  Our 

Country  as  well  as  of  the 

Great   Rebellionr 


BY  HORACE  GREELEY 


Large  8vo.;    Two  Volumes;    1,430   Pages;    144  Steel  Portraits 
'  and  80  Views,  Maps  and  Plans  of  Battles. 

ISING  FROM  TiJE  HUMBLER  WALKS  OF  LIFE, 
Horace  Greeley  for  mora  than  Sd  ycai-s,  by  the  forct 
of  his  intellect,  led  popular  thought  in  this  country, 
While  still  in  thq  prime  of  his  powers  he  was  enabled 
to  look  back  ever  the  most  stormy  period  in  oui 
,car2er  as  a  people,  and  as  the  result  of  his  observatior 
anfl  cxiieiience  has  left  this  priceless  coutribulion  t< 
ths  annals  of  the  Nation.  This  historyjs  without  £ 
peer  in  our  literature.  .,     ^      . 

-  Mr.  Greeley's  history  is  not  only  the  Juost  faithful 
Vand  fascinating  chronicle  of  the  War  of  IhejEcSfelliQi 
€\'tant,  but  it  embraces  likewise  a  complete  history  o 
tlie  connlry,  tracinp;  its  <^ru\vth  from  the  begiuuinj^,  through  all  its  political 
vicissiliules,  up  to  the-  firing  upon  Fort  Sumter,  which  heralded  the  opening 
of  the  most  desijcrate  struggle  of  modern  times. 

.To  the  writing  of  this  history  Mr.  Greeley  brought  the  ripe  scholarship  oi 
maturo  yeara^is  a  rciiilt  of  the  study  of  popular  questious  Iroiu  the  stand- 
point of  an  editor,  S[ie:iker,  and  membsr  of  Cougress.  He  w;is  the  intel- 
lactnal  giant  of  his  generation. 

The  leatherette  biiiiling  we  use  is  of  a  sujierior  quality,  and  will  outwear 
ordinary  cloth,  and  will  permanently  retain  its  beauty  aud  finish. 

Th3  original  t3x;  is  complots  and  unabridged,  ex.-^ctly  as  in  tha 
bigh-prlced  e:lition3,  word  for  word.  .        ;  -      ;« 

Th2  oriiinal  illustrations,  maps  and  plans  of  battlefields  are  repro- 
duced exactly.  Thjre  are  141  portraits  on  steel,  and  80  ether  illustrations, 
mdadin^  ™''I>S( and  plausi^or  battlefields.      ■     , 


L&Aj:- 


...v,..d: 


i%i' 


^ 


d:::scription  op  American  oonfltct— coxttkukd. 

As  a  GIFT  theser  Greeley  volumes  are  most  acceptable. 

This  is  one  of  the  verj  few  historical  works-  that  is  as  (uscinating  as  a 
novel.     The  young  who  read  it  wili  euUivate  a  taste  for  good  books. 

Without  self-glorificatiou  we  confess  to  a  sense  of  pride,  in  our.  accom- 
plishment in  being  thus  able  to  offer  this  great  work  upon- terms  which 
bring  it  within  ihe  reach  of  all  who  have  heretofore  failed  to  secure  it  \)n 
account  of  its  exorbitant  price,  which  ranged  from  $9  to  $13,  according  to 
the  binding.  . 

No  American  who  desires  to  talk  intelligently  of  the  history  of  his 
country,  either  as  a  public  speaker  or  in  private  conversation,  should  lull  to 
Kad  and  study  these  volumes. 


Price  for  (iie  two  Tolumes,  postpaid,  $3.     ^      • 

^aoress       THE  NATIONAL  ISIIBUNE.  Washington,  D.  C. 


»  . 


•-«' -t-r.ilVjk-'t^fi-'^.  ■*„- »-'':_:**l»^-  -"i  ^•-■.-■i' fc ' ;^,",_ 


"■■■1 


Profusely  Illustrated  with  Portraits  and 

Battle  ScenQS.  . 

'       BY  J.   T.    HEADLEY, 

•Author  of     Napoleon   and    his    Marshals;    Washington 

and  his  Generals,  etc. 

Tiro  Tolames;   large  8¥o.;  dear  type;  1,122  pages; 

liCatherette  coirers. 

ERETOFORE  THIS  WORK  HAS  SOLD  BY  SUB- 
scription  at  $7  for  the  set  We  have  the  exclnsive 
right  to  offer  it  in  a  popular  edition.  The  text  of 
the  anthor  is  complete  and  nnahridged,  and  the 
only  snhstantial  difference  is  that  it  is  in  leatherette 
binding  instead  of  boards. 

Mr.  Headley's  treatment  of  the  great  subject 
takes  np  the  preliminary  conspiracy  by  which  the 
authors  of  the  rebellion  sought  to  take  the  Southern . 
States  out  of  the  Union ;  the  struggles  in  Con- 
gress OTer  the  extension  of  slavery  and  the  admis- 
sion of  Kansas  as  a  free  State,  and  finally  passes 
on  to  the  firing  on  Fort  Sumter  and  the  tremendous 
events  which  followed.  All  the  campaigns  of  the 
war  are  carefully  explained  and  the  battles  described. 
Every  one  of  our  readers  who  served  in  the  war 
for  the  Union  will  find  depicted  scenes  and  incidents 
in  which  he  i>ersonally  participated.  The  work  has 
the  merit  of  being  a  logical  history  without  being 
abstruse.  It  is  written-  in  that  masterful  style  for 
which  Mr.  Headley  is  famous.  The  first  volume  povers  the  preliminaries 
vad  18  months  of  the  war.  The  second  takes  up  the  narrative  beginning 
with  the  opemtioBs  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  in  the  Summer  of  1862, 
and  carries  the  story  forward  until  the  surrender  of  Lee  at  Appomattox  and 
the  capitulation  of  Johnston  put  an  end  fo  the  fighting.  It  is  a  standard 
work  which  should  be  in  every  American  library. 

Price  for  tile  iw«  Toliutegi,  po^paid  to  any  address, 
tfO  cents,  _-.'  <v  . 

hAddrea?       1M  NATIONAL  TBIBUNE.  Wa^lu^g^ton.  D.  C. 


ANDERSONVILLE : 

■v^  ■  ;   ,  ■  "-    ■■■  ■      '-     t  .-;,«.■    ■.;■.,-:■.-.■■,■  .  \-.-'* 

A  story  of  Rpbiel  Prisons, 


BY  JOHN  Mcelroy. 


I 


liarg^e.    Clear   Type;    654   Pages;    154  Illnstrations. 

Complete  in  Two  Tolumes.     Substantially 

Boand  in   !Leatlierette. 

THE  author  of  Andersonville  has  told  a 
thrilling  story.  If  it  has  horrors  they  are 
not  of  his  invention.  Thfebook  however, 
will  be  found  to  treat  not  only  <rf  prison 
life,  but  to  abound  in  incidents  of  the 
camp,  the  march,  and  the  battlefield.  In 
fact,  there  is  no  better  narrative  extant  of 
the  stirring  experiences  of  a  cavalryman 
than  there  is  to  be  f oimd  in  this  story. 
The  reader  of  these  pgiges  will  go  with 
the  author  into  his  life  and  see  how 
the  boy  was  transformed  into  a  soldier;  will  march  with 
him  over  raoimtains  and  across  rivers ;  will  camp  on  the 
hillside  and  stand  guard  in  the  moonlight  and  in  the 
rainstorm;  will  be  with  him  as  a  videt  in  Ihe  lonely 
forest,  and  again  in  the  wild  charge. 

The  humorous,  the  pathetic,  the  preposterous,  the  ex- 
travagant phases  of  war  are  all  told  with  the  pen  of 
a  master.  Finally  comes  grim  battle,  the  defeat,  the  sur- 
render, the  traveling  through  the  South  as  a  prisoner  of 
war ;  the  experiences  in  Richmond  prisons  and  at  ghastly 
BeBe  Isle ;  then  comes  the  climax  m  the  f^kon  stockade 
at  Andersonville  itself,  with  its  40.000  men,  its  povCTty,  its 
starvation,  its  death.  All  these  things  are  told  with 
the  dramatic  power  of  truth,  attd  they  are*  told  as  wily 
they  can  be  told  by  one  who  was  there.  '        v 

Priee  for  the  two  TOliiBi«i,  postpaid,  (lO  ccaits.  ^  ^  ; 

Ad&ress       THE  MQOMAIi  TBIBUNi;  WasjbiK^  a  a  ;, 


'  r'.l'i  ":'»-  rfi.'    -..  Av."'.f.-i--:».  .  ,,,.■.    '■-..-■  ,-"'^  ^'-.y.  ~:  -.  ■'\'''.-J  -'-.''■**■  . 


Scouts,  Spies,  and  Detectives 


of  the  Great 
Civil      War. 

By  Capt.   Jcseph  Powers  Hazelton;,  large  870.;  243  pages; 

illustrated.     . 


This  book  contains  the  cream  of  the  stories  of  adventure  in  the  War  of 
the  Rebellion.  It  is  a  collection  titat  brings  together  the  recital  of  the 
grreat  deeds  of  heroes  and  iieroinen  whose  names  will  survive  in  our  annaln 
along  with  those  of  Paul  Beyere,  Nathan  Hale,  Serg't  Jasper  and  Moll 
Pitchtr  of  the  Revolution.  In  this  book  we  have  spread  out  in  easy,  graphio 
style  the  daring  deexls  of  the  famous  Blue  brothers,  Maj.  "Pauline  Cush- 
man,"  Keller  or  Kildare.  and  a  brave  coterie  whose  exploits  have  too  long 
been  neglected  by  writers  on  tlie  war. 

The  most  thrilling  episodes  and  brilliant  operations  of  the  war  are 
likewise  told  in  liviT)g  words  that  enchain  the  interest  and  challenge  tha 
admiration. of  the  reader. 

Price,  postpaid  to  any  address),  25  cents. 


Historic    Homes    in    Washington, 

And  a  Century  in  the  White  House.    By  M.ary  S.  Lockwood; 
12mo.;  336  passes;  illustrated. 

"His^yoric  Homes  in  Washington"  will  interest  every  Araercan.  It  ii 
a  history  from  which  the  colors  have  not  faded.  It  is  a  romantic  ciironicla 
in  which  the.  men  and  women  of  the  olden  times  walk  and  speak  again, 
and  we  go  with  the-n  to  tlieir  firesides.  Secret  history  of  the  daily  life  of 
the  Capital  is  udcjovered  for  the  first  time;  the  motives  of  statesmen  and 
intrigues  of  diplomats  are  laid  bare. 

The  story  goes  back  to  the  days  when  the  Father  of  his  C!ountry 
drove  a  hard  bargain  with  the  sturdy  farmers  for  the  site  of  the  National 
Capital,  and  is  brought  down  to  the  present  time. 

The  work  is  unique  in  conception  as  it  is  masterly  in  execution.  It 
^ows  in  interest  as  it  progresses,  and  it  must  be  read  as  a  hitherto  unknowu 
chapter  in  our  National  ESstory.  <  — ■"'"■ 

Price,  postpaid  to  any  address.  25  cents. 


Tlin   Do/1    \rf\rn      ^  Romance  of  the  War.     By  John 
llIC    IVCU   /\CUI11«     MoElroy;   12mo.;  322  pages;  bound 
in  leatherette. 

r—  ^  The  Red  Acorn  is  one  of  the  most  successful  works  of  the  facile  author, 
with  whose  writings  our  readers-are  familiar.  Like  his  other  works,  it 
refers  to  the  war  period,  and  while  a  graceful  story  it  is  built  upon  the  hard 
foundation  of  the  st^rn  and  rugged  facts  of  the  great  campaigns. 

It  opens  with  a  picture  of  rural  life  in  a  Northern  village  at  the  out- 
break of  the  war.  with  its  sudden  awakening  as  from  a  slumber  by  tho 
a.ssault  upon  the  Nation's  flag.  It  follows  tho  fortune  of  a  company  of 
young  men  recruite.1  from  the  various  walks  of  life,  carrying  with  then 
into  camp  and  field  their  various  per.^sonal  characteristics. 

There  is  tlie  bfave  boy,  and  the  one  not  so  brave;  ttie  one  brought  up 
In  the  lap  of  luxury,  and  the  one  whom  hard  knocks  have  dwarfed  and  de- 
veloped those  traits  least  attractive  in  young  manhood^  Of  course,  therd 
ts  a  foy;e  story  involved  in  the  narrative,  with  plenty  of  adventure  arn^ ' 
thrilling  pictures  of  daring  exploit  and  hairbreadth  escape.       '  •  '      '    - 

Pricie,  po.stpaid  to  any  address,  25  cents. 

\ddreM       T]^  NATIONAL  TRIBUNE,  WashmgtoiL  D.  a/ 


r.iu  .. 


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A    - 


HURSE  Alfll  SPY.^      e 

fty  Miss  S.  Emma  Edmonds  (Mrs.  Sttelye.)      '    -  * 

Bound  in  Leatherette;  12mo.;  256  pases;  illustrated. 

HIS  is  one  of  the  great  books  ol 
the  war  period.  It  has  had  a  tre-, 
mendous  sale  at  $2,50  and  upward 
per  volume.  Miss  Edmunds  .^yeni' 
into  the  army  as  a  field  nurse.  All 
through  the  early  campaign  in  Vir* 
ginia  she  was  at  the  front.  Final- 
ly, she  assumed  the  guise  of  a  boy, 
volunteering  to  take  the  place  of  a 
Union  spy  who  had  been  captured 
and  shot  in  Richmond.  Disguised 
as  a  negro,  an  Irish  pedler,  and  as 
a  Confederate  soldier  she  passed  back  and  forth  repeat- 
edly between  the  lines.  She  was  with  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  then  with  Burnside  at  Knoxville,  then  with 
Grant  at  Vicksburg,  thus  covering  the  entire  field  of 
military  operations.  She  became  an  orderly  on  the  staff,, 
of  Gert.  Poe,  under  the  name  of  Franklin  Thompson.  'In* 
this  book  she  retails  her,  experiences  asjariurse,  spj',  ahd 
as  a  soldier,  and  she  tells  her  story  well.;  She  receiver 
an  honorable  discharge  ^nd  becanie  an'  hbnoied  member 
of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  :  J  ^  I  :.  J  ^| 
Price,  postpaiid  to  any  a<l^i*ei^9  35  cents.  « 

Inside  of  Rebeldom.  ^^"tT:  tlf^:^2 

Armj.     By  J.  F.  Cannon,   M.  D.,  Late   27tli  Ala.;    12mo. 
288  paces;   illustrated. 

This  book  is  unique.  * 

Works  of  a  similar  nature  showing  the  army  life  of  the  Union  soldiers 
nave  been  printed,  but  never  before  has  the  other  side  of  the  story  been 
told  with  fidelity  and  detail.  This  book  has  an  intense  interest  to  those 
who  faced  Dr.  Cannon's  command  upon  the  fields  he  describes. 

The  iuthor  is  possessed  of  a  felicitous  style,  which  is  peculiarly  his 
own.  He  tells  everything  as  it  occurred  from  day  to  day,  without  any 
resentment  for  his  sufferings  in  a  lost  cause. 

The  incidents  of  camp  life,  defense  of  trenches,  long  marches,  battles 
and  retreats,  are  vividly  portrayed,  from  the  opening  to  the  close  of  the: 
war.  The  ^rloriouSvjgood  fellowship  which  pervades  it  all  gives  the  story  i 
a  charm  "that  is  incomparable.  ■    -  ^    ■■ 

The  book  cannot  be  described  adequately,  <and  to.  be  api»reciated  % 
OHisi  b^re^d.j.      ■      ,.     y     r     ;      '     ;     :  ::■■■    t      ;      r      V     '      i.  - 

iFHce,  postpaid  to  any  attdre8s,i35  cenis.      -    '     ^    ^    ^' 

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FOUR  YEARS  IN  SECESSIA. 

By  Junius  Henri  Browne;  illastratc4;  I2me.;  232  pagis. 

Bound  in  Leatherette.  i         ' 

AM  other  editions  of  this  book  have  sold  for  from  $2.50  to  $6. 

T  IS  the  account  of  a  newspaper 
correspondent  in  the  War  of  the 
Rebellion  who  was  so  unfortunate 
as  to  be  captured  while  attempt- 
ing to  run  the  batteries  at  Vicks- 
burg,  and  was  taken  to  a  rebel 
prison.  After  a  long  and  trying 
prison  experience,  in  company 
with  several  friemds,  he  got  away. 
Then  followed  a  venturesome  tnp 
v-^x^-^-i^ss:^^  through  a  mountainous  region, 
'  '1\'^'*%»'^^nT.  back  to  the  Union  lines.  The  hair- 
breadth escapes  and  thrilling  inci- 
dents, which  give  variety  to  this  narrative,  are  of  sur- 
passing interest.  They  dodged  rebel  guerillas,  were 
succored  by  contrabands,  assist^  on  their  way  by  loyal 
mountaineers,  and  at  last  ended  the  weary  march  by 
arriving  safely  imder  the  protection  of  the  old  flag.  The 
writer  tells  us,  also,  of  battles,  marches,  sieges,  and  expe- 
riences in  camp  which  never  fail  to  absorb  the  attention 
of  the  reader  from  the  beginning  of  the  story  to  the  end. 
Price,  postpaid  to  any  address,  35  cent*. 


Daring  Enterprises  of  Officers  and  Men. 

ByCapt.  Hazelton;  large  8vo.;  256  pages;  illustrated. 

No  contest  ever  afforded  opportunities  for  daring  enterprises  equal  to 
that  of  our  civil  war.  and  no  soldiers  were  ever  readier  to  engagre  in  them 
Uian  the  boys  of  '61  to  '65.  They  were  not  only  good  soldiers,  but 
many  of  them  had  the  sagacity  and  nerve  that  made  good  scouts.  Thpyj 
were  humorists,  too,  and  got  all  the  fim  they  could  out  of  their  hard' 
lives  of  danger  and  deprivation. 

Tlais  volume  contains  more  than  fifty  stories — true  stories — of  soldier 
life,  many  ■":  them  told  for  the  first  time. 

Price,  postpaid  to  any  address,  35  cents. 

Adclress         THE  NATIONAL  TRIBUNE.  Washin^^  D.  C, 


i    •  .:■  1- 


'I.  :   :,-.  •■•    iya"- 


PERSONAL  HISTORY  OF  U.  S.  GRANT.  Jy  ^^ 

ardaoD,  author  of  Field,  Dungeon  and  Escape.    Fully  illustrated;  large,  clear  tjpe; 
OSOpages. 

There  are  only  two  personal  histories  of  Gen.  Gnant  worthy  tha  tarm:  ona  ia  thia  toIuu 
by  Bichardson.  k 

THE   FIELD,  DUNGEON  AND  ESCAPE.  Jf  ^^ 

ardson,  the  well-known  correspondent  Splendidly  illustrated^  large  type;  513  pagaa. 
Out  edition  contains  exactly  the  same  matter  as  t&e  original  subscription  edition  wmcb 
aold  for  $2.60. 

THE   BOY   SPY    IN    DIXIE.    ^T?5  °"^«V  o  ?*l!r  •JJf' 

scaffold.    Sy  J.  O.  Kerbey.  Fully 
illustrated  by  the  anrpassing  skill  of  Coffin.    384  pages. 


aw 


CAPTURING    A    LOCOMOTIVE,      a  true  history  of  the  meai 

thrilling      and      romantic 
Secret  service  of  the  late  war.    By  Rev.  William  Pittengor,  one  of  the  actors  in  tiia 
r   .    strange  scenes  described.    Illustrated;  350  pages. 

SOLDIERS    HANDBOOK.      FuU  and  exhaustive;  448  l|up  pages, 

with  a  complete  index,  enabling  every 

soldier  or  soldier's  heir  to  thoroughly  post  himself  as  to  his  rightful  claima.  All  ths 
I  ■  latest  decisions  and  rulings.  A  complete  compilation  of  Pension  and  other  laws  of  ia<- 
['.     terest  to  soldiers  and  their  heirs,  UP  TO  DATE!,  including  daims  on  aeoonnt  d 

the  late  Spanish-American  War. 

SCOUTS,  SPIES,  AND  DETECTIVES  ^^^^ 

'  '  War.      By    Oapk. 

Joseph  Powers  Hazel  ton;  248  pages;  illustrated. 
This  book  contains  the  cream  of  the  stories  of  adventure  in  the  War  of  the  Babelllmi. 

THE  WORLD'S  SWEETEST  SONGS,  ;;i'^\if  ^"C^j; 

(folio)  pages. 

This  collection  of  66  Gems  of  Song  is  the  result  of  thorough  and  oonsdentieas  resaarA. 

Many  composers  and  artists,  including  the  great  Patti  henelf,  have  warmly  oommeadafl 

this  collection.     Patti  says  of  this  collection:  "  I  have  examined  your  beaatiAiI  valaaie 

and  find  it  a  charming  collection  of  lovely  songs,  rich  in  charaotor  and  plaasiag  tm 

variety." 

MRS.  CLARKE'S  COOK  BOOK.  Sft*^;j;i.rj  *i!?  •' ^ 

best    up-to-date    raatpaa  mt 
every  conoeivable  dish.    By  Mrs.  Anne  Clarke;  266  pages;  leatherette. 

HISTORIC  HOMES  IN  WASHINGTON,  i^^.^^^ 

Bouse.    By  Mary  S.  Leckwood;  336  pages;  illnstrated. 

The  story  gees  back  to  the  days  when  the  Father  of  his  Country  drove  a  hard  barpua 
with  the  sturdy  formers  for  the  site  of  the  National  Capital,  and  ia  brought  dawa  to 
the  present  time. 

The  work  is  unique  in  conception  as  it  is  masterly  in  execution.    It  grewa  ia  iatsasat 
as  it  progreVM,  and  it  mast  be  read  aa  a  hitherto  anknown  chapter  ia  au  Katiaaal 
■'.,  hifUN^  ",'.-  ■.'[-■ 

25  CENTS  A  VOLUME/ 


'      ■■■»;■'*  J 


'  l»I 


/•'«•* 

.  .>. 

■■'V^•^^'^l 


*3j'!- 


END 
TITl 


